Like us on April is Alcohol Awareness Month
It is April, and that
means it is also Alcohol Awareness Month. This month was designated Alcohol Awareness month in 1987 by the National
Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). This was done with the hope of helping reduce
the stigma that people with substance abuse problems (and their loved ones) face
and thereby making it easier to step forward and receive treatment. This year’s theme is “Help for today. Hope
for tomorrow”, which speaks to why it is important to address this issue on many
levels.
Like other diseases,
alcoholism and drug dependence can be overcome with proper treatment, prevention
and more research. Millions of people
achieve recovery. By increasing access
to care, the costly toll on society and the burden it places on families can be
reduced.
Research shows
conclusively that successful prevention and treatment leads to reductions in
traffic fatalities, crime, unwanted pregnancy, child abuse, HIV, cancer and
heart disease. Treatment reduces drug
use, improves health, improves job performance, reduces involvement with the
criminal justice system, reduces family dysfunction and improves quality of
life. Treatment of addiction is as successful as treatment of other chronic
diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and
asthma.
Remember that the youth
in Tompkins County (and all areas) are our future and we need to make the best
choices to ensure that they all have the best future possible. It is also important for everyone to know
that recovery from addiction is possible and help is available. Remember that where there is hope, there is
help. If you or someone you know is
dealing with an alcohol or substance problem, seek out help- you can visit the
NCADD website for more information. (http://www.ncadd.org/)
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Monthly
Messages are brought to you by:
Each
monthly message is provided by coalition board members. If you have further
questions or comments about this message or would like information on how to
become involved with the Community Coalition for Healthy Youth, please email ahendrix@tompkins-co.org
Thank
you in advance for sharing this monthly message with your
networks.
Community
Coalition for Healthy Youth
320
W. State/MLK Jr. Street
Ithaca
NY 14850
