Pharmacists’ Declare War on Alcoholism Month is observed every June as a result of the ongoing public attention dedicated to the problems of substance misuse and chemical dependence in America. Addiction is a chronic, progressive, and deadly condition defined by a strong desire to do drugs, a loss of control over drug use, and prolonged usage despite obvious negative consequences. Few healthcare workers are trained and educated in this area of clinical treatment, which is quite frustrating. Pharmacists are front-line healthcare providers and, in many ways, the most approachable members of a healthcare team.
History of Pharmacists Declare War on Alcoholism Month
In 2019, the 2020 Special Committee on Substance Use and Pharmacy Education was formed by a group of official and unofficial leaders from the A.A.C.P. Substance Use Disorder Special Interest Group (S.U.D. S.I.G.) to provide suggestions for pharmacy colleges and schools to prepare all student pharmacists to care for those with S.U.D.While science has progressed and treatments have improved, the problem of drug abuse has become more complicated. People are no longer addicted to only one drug. Rather, it is common for a person to take a variety of medications, typically in combination. The co-occurrence of substance misuse and mental illness exacerbates the problem. When the two illnesses coexist in one patient, even seasoned physicians find it difficult to untangle the chain of causation. These are synergistic diseases, with each one aggravating the symptoms of the other.Pharmacy education and training are designed to prepare doctors for practice in a demanding and complex therapeutic context, “the direct, responsible administration of medication-related care to obtain concrete results that better a patient’s quality of life,” according to the definition. Pharmacists Declare War on Alcoholism Month is to create awareness and prevent people from addiction to alcohol.
Pharmacists Declare War on Alcoholism Month timeline
The A.A.C.P's "Guidelines for the Development of Psychoactive Substance Use Disorder Policies for Colleges of Pharmacy" is published with the help of the S.I.G.
S.U.D. and substance misuse achieves much recognition from the federal as well as scientific and medical authorities.
A rise in the use of opioids is noticed.
The Substance Abuse Education and Assistance Special Interest Group (S.I.G.) continues to shape academic pharmacy's approach to S.U.Ds.
Pharmacists Declare War on Alcoholism Month FAQs
When is World Pharmacist Day?
World Pharmacist Day is marked each year on September 25.
What is National Pharmacy Week?
Celebrated in the third week of October, “Pharmacy Week” is a time to recognize the powerful impact pharmacists have on their patients.
What is considered an alcoholic?
Alcoholism is the most serious form of problem drinking at a level that causes harm to health. It describes a strong, often uncontrollable, desire to drink. Alcoholism is also known as alcohol addiction or alcohol dependence. Medically, it’s recognized as a type of alcohol-use disorder, which is treatable.
How to Observe Pharmacists Declare War on Alcoholism Month
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Start saying thank you to your Pharmacist
During this month, don't forget to express your gratitude to a pharmacist or pharmacy team member. This should be done irrespective of whether you're a prescribing doctor or merely picking up your prescription.
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Make use of social media
Make a point of recognizing them. They'll appreciate the positive word, whether they serve in a facility or a neighborhood pharmacy. Learn more about pharmacy if you're considering a career in it. Use the hashtag #PharmacistsAgainstAlcoholism on social media.
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Spread awareness against Alcoholism
Share posts on social media, run campaigns, and inform people about how dangerous alcoholism can be and what it can lead to. The more people are aware, the more we can recognize and combat the problem
5 Facts About Alcoholism And Pharmacists
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A novelist helped with poisons
During World War I, Agatha Christie worked as a pharmaceutical dispenser.
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It affects people differently
Alcohol does not affect men and women equally and is said to affect women faster than men.
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Binge drinking can be a leading cause
Binge drinking can result in unintended pregnancies, vehicle accidents, the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, violence, or alcoholism.
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Alcohol poisoning and consequences
Drinking too much too quickly can affect your breathing, heart rate, body temperature, and gag reflex and potentially lead to coma and death.
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Alcohol warming you up is a myth
When you drink alcohol, your blood rushes to the surface of your skin, making you feel warmer, whereas, in actuality, alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, causing you to lose heat more quickly.
Why Pharmacists Declare War on Alcoholism Month is Important
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It’s an opportunity to appreciate pharmacists
Pharmacists have played an important role throughout from investing in new medicines to preventing people from the misuse of drugs. It is time that we appreciate their efforts and give this profession much-needed and deserved importance.
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It’s a way to create awareness
Drug use and alcoholism are fatal, especially for teenagers who are yet to start their lives. It is important to create awareness against this to prevent them from falling prey to tempting alcohol use.
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It’s a fight for a better society
The entire goal of this month is to raise awareness and prevent people from misusing drugs and overconsuming alcohol. It is indeed for the betterment of society, to create a healthy and active population working towards progress rather than destroying itself with addictions.
Pharmacists Declare War on Alcoholism Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 1 | Thursday |
| 2024 | June 1 | Saturday |
| 2025 | June 1 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 1 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 1 | Tuesday |
