Major health worries from Fourth of July include alcohol, substance abuse

 

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Health care providers don't just gear up for physical accidents from fireworks but from other serious concerns as well, as the 4th of July is one of the biggest days for  abuse of both alcohol and drugs.

The Fourth of July holiday centers on drinking and parties, which is the reason that "America's Birthday" is also one of the top relapse days for people battling drug and alcohol addiction.

It's common for family and friends to gather on the Fourth of July for outdoor parties, to watch fireworks or to spend the holiday at the lake.

Amy Sheldon of Turning Point Recovery Service  says that the Fourth of July is a tough holiday for people in recovery:  She has some ideas about that to help protect people from relapsing and to encourage people to think twice during these vulnerable occasions.

"This holiday is a family oriented time and there is an expectation to attend family functions. For many of our clients, family functions often have alcohol flowing freely. We tell our clients to take extra precautions over the Fourth of July holiday, so that they don't get themselves into a situation where they set themselves up for failure."

Sheldon goes on to say, "The post Fourth of July holiday is a time when many people get help because of a DUI or an embarrassing incident at a holiday party."   Amy gives some tips to prevent relapse:

Spend part of the Fourth weekend at AA/NA event.

Host a holiday party at your home without alcohol.

Get together with recovering friends and family.