Alcohol awareness month takes place in April every year. It offers communities a chance to gain more understanding of how individuals struggle with alcohol abuse, offers advice and help for those affected, and highlights the serious health issues caused by alcohol.
- April is Alcohol Awareness Month in the United States
- Alcohol Awareness Month was started in 1987 to help raise awareness of alcoholism and reduce stigma which may stop people from seeking treatment
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What is alcohol awareness month?
Alcohol Awareness Month is a health awareness campaign that was formerly sponsored by the National Council for Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). It took place every April and was established in 1987 with the aim of raising awareness for communities and to help understand the causes and treatment available for one of the nation's biggest health issues. The campaign also aimed to reduce the social stigma associated with alcoholism and to educate people on how the disease can be addressed; offering help and advice for families as well as direct engagement with those afflicted with alcohol addiction.
Why is alcohol awareness month important?
Alcohol addiction and abuse is not only a considerable burden on government spending, it also claims thousands of lives across the country each year. Some notable statistics on alcohol addiction include [1]:
- More than 65 million Americans report binge drinking or heavy drinking in a one-month period, which is more than 40% of those who drink alcohol
- In 2018, there were 10,511 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, totaling 29% of all traffic fatalities for the year
- Teen alcohol use kills 4,700 people each year, more than all illegal drugs combined.
By making people more aware of the situation and the viable solutions, alcohol awareness month aimed to reduce the pain and suffering alcohol abuse causes to people's lives.
Who participates in alcohol awareness month?
Anyone who is interested in raising awareness about the risks of alcohol abuse were invited to take part. Organizations such as schools, healthcare facilities, general practitioners, community coalitions, faith-based organizations, law enforcement, and substance abuse treatment organizations were encouraged to create initiatives that would help educate communities about alcohol addiction and invite them to take part in campaigns and activities that would be inclusive to all.
