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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2025
April is National Alcohol Awareness Month
SANTA FE – Alcohol Awareness Month is an ideal time to educate ourselves and others about alcohol-related risks, such as cancer, chronic liver disease, and death as well as to acknowledge those who are in recovery.
New Mexico has historically had the highest rate of alcohol-related death in the nation. When comparing the most recently available national data from 2021, the state’s rate of alcohol-related death was more than two times higher than the alcohol-related death rate in the United States. Still, some progress is being made. In 2023, there were 1,896 alcohol-related deaths down from 2,067 deaths in 2022 - 16.7% lower than the record number of 2,274 deaths in 2021.
"Alcohol affects your body and mind. This Alcohol Awareness Month, take the time to make informed decisions: drink in moderation or choose not to drink. Your health and well-being come first," says Rebecca Neudecker, the section manager for the Office of Alcohol Misuse Prevention.
April 10 is National Alcohol Screening Day, dedicated to promoting awareness and raising support through free and anonymous screens, either in person or online, to assess drinking habits.
Tips for responsible drinking:
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach: Eating before or while drinking helps slow alcohol absorption.
- Stay hydrated: Alternate between alcohol and water to prevent dehydration and hangovers.
- Know your limits: Listen to your body and don’t feel pressured to drink more than you’re comfortable with.
- Avoid binge drinking: Consuming large amounts of alcohol in one sitting increases health and safety risks (for men, this is five or more drinks per occasion and for women, this is four or more drinks per occasion).
- Hold alcohol-free gatherings or offer non-alcohol drinks.
If you or someone you care about has questions about alcohol use, please speak to your primary care provider and explore these resources:
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Try this free adult screening tool to learn about how alcohol affects your health.
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There is also a free youth screening tool available now.
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Get linked to resources, including the free Connections App, if you’re trying to cut down or quit drinking.
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You can get support by calling the American Addiction Centers’ confidential alcohol hotline at (313)-209-9574 or 988 for crisis support.
- If you need help finding a provider, please call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).
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