April is National Alcohol Awareness Month

At Mountain West Cider, we’re committed to creating a delicious, all-natural product that brings friends and loved ones together. We support responsible consumption of alcohol and hope you’re making happy memories sharing our cider. However, we also understand that alcohol dependency is a serious illness with potentially life-altering effects.

In 2018, it was estimated that 14.4 million Americans aged 18+ had an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Excessive and prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to heart disease, stroke, memory problems, and other health issues. In support of National Alcohol Awareness Month- we would like to remind our readers that it is vital to seek treatment if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependency.

SAMHSA’s National helpline provides confidential, 24/7 service completely free of charge. Call 1 (800) 662-4357 or text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U) for information services and treatment referral. Utah state residents can also contact USARA for support at 1 (385) 210-0320. Addiction is not a choice and you are not alone.

Here are our tips for drinking safely,

Eat before drinking and stay hydrated with water (not soda or energy drinks!)
Don’t drink alone, socialize with friends and family over drinks instead.
Don’t drink when you’re angry or sad. Alcohol will only enhance those feelings.

Count your drinks to make sure you’re aware of how much you’re consuming.
Skip the drinking games and shots. Feel comfortable saying “no” or swapping out for non-alcoholic alternatives.
Never drive or operate machinery when drinking. Plan your transportation by ordering a Lyft or Uber, riding public transit, or asking someone you trust to be the designated driver.
Ask your doctor about your drinking habits. They will be able to provide guidance or treatment as needed.

Mountain West Cider is dedicated to educating our consumers on responsible alcohol practices. Be sure to check back for more information on Utah and the alcohol industry.

Please drink responsibly,

Jennifer & Jeff Carleton