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April 2025: International Alcohol Awareness Month

Many people use alcohol in a way that creates challenges in their lives and/or puts their health and safety at risk. International Alcohol Awareness Month is an opportunity to evaluate your relationship with alcohol, and to determine a path forward should there be a need for change. 

Although each person is different, below are some general warning signs and symptoms that may indicate problem drinking:

• Physical responses: Withdrawal from alcohol (such as shakiness, sweating, and palpitations) as well as increased tolerance to alcohol (needing more to achieve the same effect).
• Urgency: Compulsive need to begin drinking, as well as difficulty stopping (especially in the face of consequences or intentions to stop). 
• Preoccupation: Having trouble focusing on things other than drinking alcohol. 
• Neglectfulness: Neglecting duties and responsibilities as the result of drinking. 
• Harmful/Risky Behaviors: Engaging in behaviors that are threatening to self and/or others as the result of drinking alcohol. 

If you are concerned about alcohol use, complete an online screening by clicking here.

When a pattern of problem drinking is established, or a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder is given by a licensed professional, intervention is often needed to help bring about change. While millions across the US and Canada (including construction workers) are negatively impacted by problem alcohol use each other, life-saving resources are available. BAC MAP stands in support of members who may need help for challenges related to alcohol use. If you or a loved one are in need, please contact 1-833-MAP-TALK for confidential help. 

For addition resources related to International Alcohol Awareness Month, please visit:

• SAMHSA
• NIAAA
• AA
• DRS (Canada)

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. 

April 2025: International Counseling Awareness Month

Counseling is a psychological specialty that has allowed for life-improving and life-saving help for millions of people across North America and the world. And yet, it's often underused and under accessed, including by people who may benefit from it the most. 

No matter the motive for seeking help, psychological counseling is an invaluable, research-based engine for health and wellbeing. BAC MAP welcomes International Counseling Awareness Month, and recognizes the many ways in which BAC members and their families have been helped through counseling services. BAC MAP also aims to help individuals overcome stigma related to help-seeking by recognizing counseling as a pathway of strength and success, rather than weakness or failure. 

If you or a loved one may be seeking counseling or want to learn more, please contact BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK for confidential help. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. 

April 2025: International Month of Hope

Who couldn't use a little more hope in their lives?

Research shows that reported levels of hope and happiness have declined in recent years, and suicide rates have risen to their highest point in almost a century. There is a clear need to address what some have called a 'hopelessness epidemic.'

Hope is a powerful force that serves as a protective factor against depression and suicidality. It adds meaning and purpose to one's life, and enables individuals and communities to overcome challenges. The ability to cultivate hope may be the single most important tool one can carry, which is why the BAC Member Assistance Program (MAP) is proud to recognize April as the International Month of Hope.

Promoting the spread of messages of hope is an important part of BAC MAP's mission to support the wellbeing of our members and their loved ones. If you are experiencing hopelessness or would like to further discuss related topics, please contact BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK for caring, confidential help. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. 

March 30, 2025: World Bipolar Disorder Day

Bipolar disorder is a condition linked with unusual activity in the brain that results in significant shifts in mood, behaviors, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks (especially if impairment is severe and left untreated). It is important to understand that bipolar disorder is different than normal ups and downs that all humans experience; and while there is growing acceptance of bipolar disorder as a legitimate medical condition, unfortunately it remains highly stigmatized (which can prevent a timely diagnosis and delayed connection to treatment/prolonged suffering). 

The Bricklayers' Member Assistance Program (MAP) recognizes World Bipolar Disorder Day as a time to increase education and sensitivity to bipolar disorder, while offering support to our members and their loved ones who may be experiencing challenges related to it. 

BAC MAP recommends taking a bipolar disorder symptom screening by clicking here, as well as connecting with MAP by calling 1-833-MAP-TALK (M-F, 8am-7pm ET). 

To learn more about bipolar disorder, please click here. You can also find local bipolar disorder support groups by clicking here. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. 

March 17-23, 2025: National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

Addiction is a commonly misunderstood disease, which results in persistent stigma and ineffective health responses. Debunking myths around substance use and addiction is a critical part of prevention, intervention and recovery. In support of our members who may be at risk of or are living with a substance use condition, the BAC Member Assistance Program (MAP) is committed to raising awareness and promoting productive, fact-based conversations around drug and alcohol use. 

To better understand the facts about how the addicted brain works, click here to watch a short video from Yale Medicine. 

Click here to get the myths vs. facts on addiction. 

If you or a loved one are in need of substance use support, guidance or treatment, please contact BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK (M-F, 8am-7pm ET). You may also click here to access a treatment locator. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. 

February 2025: International Boost Self-Esteem Month

Self-esteem has to do with the image one has of him or herself. When your self-esteem is low, you are at higher risk for depression, poor self-care, abusive relationships, negative health outcomes, and more. While low self-esteem can be the result of harmful childhood experiences, trauma, and the like; it has the ability to be restored.

Boosting self-esteem allows you to retain a sense of worthiness, even through life's greatest hardships. Those with higher self-esteem are more resilient, have a greater sense of purpose and belonging, have better relationship and health outcomes, and generally report higher happiness levels. The Bricklayers' Member Assistance Program (BAC MAP) recognizes that high self-esteem is a critical part of contributing to (and enjoying) healthier work environments, as well as experiences and relationships outside of work.

BAC MAP invites you to put boosting self-esteem on your radar this month, and to connect with our Department's licensed professionals if help is needed. You can reach BAC MAP by calling 1-833-MAP-TALK (M-F, 8am-7pm).

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988.