Alcohol Awareness Month is a public health program organized by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). The program’s goal is to increase outreach and education about the dangers of alcoholism and issues related to alcohol. The program was started in 1987 to educate college-aged students who took advantage of their newfound freedom by drinking too much. The month-long campaign gives communities a way to reach out to the public and provide answers to end the stigma associated with alcohol abuse.
The NCADD is an American advocacy organization focused on alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and the consequences of alcohol and other drug use. Their foundation is a multi-pronged approach to alcohol and drug addiction supported by members from the medical, scientific, political, and social fields. The organization has a national network of affiliates in various regions across the country. Alcohol Awareness Month is a national movement that brings attention to the causes and effects of alcoholism and how to help families and communities deal with drinking problems. At Solution Based Treatment, education and advocacy are at the heart of what we do. Our substance abuse treatment programs provide evidence-based solutions to beat addiction in the following programs:
- Alcohol treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Rock to Recovery
The Importance of Alcohol Awareness
A big part of Alcohol Awareness Month’s mission is to point out the stigma surrounding alcoholism and substance abuse in general. Most struggling with alcoholism or alcohol abuse are in denial that they have a problem. They often underestimate the amount they drink, the duration of their drinking problem, the impact it has had on their life, and overestimate their ability to control their drinking. Those in denial will tell you that they can quit at any time. Denial is not limited to the addicted individual. Friends and family members can also be uncomfortable acknowledging the gravity and reality of the situation.
Alcohol Awareness Month gives public health entities, communities, and treatment facilities the chance to collectively broadcast their efforts as part of one campaign to reach people who may not fully appreciate the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption. Programs like Alcohol Awareness Month exist to ensure that families and communities have the resources, information, and options available to control the rising rate of alcoholism in our country and communities.
How to Celebrate Alcohol Awareness Month
The national network of NCADD affiliates runs campaigns on social and traditional media during April to draw attention to the causes of alcoholism, the signs and effects of the condition, how to talk to a loved one about a drinking problem, and how to find treatment options. These campaigns include advertising in areas that are prone to alcoholism, such as college campuses. With the alarming rates of alcohol consumption among college students, college administrations and state governments turn to “creative prevention strategies” to address the epidemic. Alcohol Awareness Month gives them the platform to spread the message.
The hashtag #AlcoholAwarenessMonth is used on social media during April to encourage sharing and increasing awareness. Anyone can participate in the campaign. Here are ways you can help spread the word:
- Help friends and family with limiting their consumption by keeping track of how much alcohol they consume
- Encourage parents to discuss alcohol abuse with their children, and talk to your children too
- If you work in healthcare, make a concerted effort during April to talk about options with patients
Contact Solution Based Treatment for More Information on Alcohol Awareness and Treatment
Throughout all stages of alcoholism, treatment is available and can be effective. For those engaging in substance abuse of any type, Solution Based Treatment offers help. Our comprehensive programs provide opportunities for advocacy, education, and healing. Learn more about them when you reach out online or call 833.999.1941 for immediate help.