Every April in the U.S. is National Alcohol Awareness Month. This nationwide event is sponsored by the National Council for Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, or NCADD. It has a range of interconnected goals. Those goals include focusing on the many potential problems associated with alcohol use. They also include underscoring the need for an alcohol addiction treatment program for any affected person. In addition, Awareness Month is dedicated to breaking the stigma that stops so many people from getting the help they need.
Who Does National Alcohol Awareness Month Aim to Reach?
Alcohol is widely used in America. In fact, nearly 140 million people take at least one drink in the average month. That figure includes roughly six million underage drinkers. More than 60 million people get drunk while binging on alcohol. In addition, close to 18 million people drink to excess on a regular basis. What’s more, close to 30 million Americans have a diagnosable alcohol use disorder.Â
These daunting figures underscore an important fact. Namely, National Alcohol Awareness Month is for everyone. Anyone who uses alcohol can eventually run into serious problems. That’s true regardless of your age. Those problems don’t end with addiction and non-addicted abuse. They also include:
- Increased risks for accidental injuries
- Alcohol overdoses
- Higher exposure to violence and sexual assault
People who regularly drink to excess also have increased risks for serious health problems.Â
Who Takes Part in National Alcohol Awareness Month?
Awareness Month is national in its focus. However, it also operates at the state, regional and local levels. Various kinds of organizations take part. Examples of these organizations include:
- Hospitals and individual doctors
- Addiction programs
- Schools
- Law enforcement groups
- Churches and other faith-based groups
- Local, regional, or state coalitions
Individual participation is also encouraged. Anyone who’s interested can join in a local or online activity.Â
What Kinds of Alcohol Addiction Awareness Efforts Take Place?
During Awareness Month, a variety of activities take place. Every year, the month begins with Alcohol-Free Weekend. This event encourages everyone to avoid drinking for three days.Â
Education is also a major focus. The NCADD provides a range of online educational resources. Resources are also available from other organizations. These organizations focus, in part, on reaching the general public. They also seek to get individuals directly involved in spreading relevant information. Common focuses include:
- Binge drinking
- Heavy drinking
- Underage drinking
Stigma reduction is another common focus. This is crucially important. Why? Only a small percentage of people with serious alcohol problems receive treatment. This is true for a number of reasons. One frequent factor is fear of other people’s reactions if you seek help.
A number of other activities are common. These activities include alcohol-free block parties. They also include meetings and other gatherings. In addition, online efforts now play a major role. Many participants engage in Twitter campaigns. Others carry out campaigns on Facebook.Â
Need help brainstorming ideas? If so, planning toolkits are available. Look for organizations in your area that offer these kits. In addition to planning advice, they often include lists of local resources.Â
Seek More Information on Alcohol Addiction Awareness at New Start Recovery
For more alcohol awareness information, talk to the experts at New Start Recovery. We can answer any questions you have regarding the risks of alcohol use.Â
New Start also specializes in alcohol treatment. We start with supervised detox. Once you complete detox, you can follow up with active alcohol recovery. Our sober living program helps you safely return to your everyday routine when treatment ends. And our alumni program provides additional post-treatment support.
Ready to get started? Call us today at [Direct]. We’re also available through our online form.