What is Alcohol Awareness Month?

In April of 1987, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) established Alcohol Awareness Month to educate people so they may better understand alcohol-related issues and to help reduce the shame which is associated with alcoholism.

The Theme the NCADD is celebrating this year is “Connecting the Dots: Opportunities for Recovery.”

Activities

There are going to be events all month which are focused on promoting individuals and families to get help with any alcohol-related problems they may be experiencing. National, State, and Local events hosted by many different organizations throughout communities including schools, churches, and local NCADD members, will be focusing on the prevention of alcoholism and the treatment of people already experiencing issues which are tied to the use of alcohol. Many of the events which are focusing on the prevention of alcoholism will be directed toward alcohol use during youth.

There is an important role for parents to play when it comes to preventing youth and teen drinking. Parents who choose to become educated about the effects teen alcohol-use have on youth and society are better equip to speak with teens about the issues at hand.

Many of the problem behaviors that occur during the teen years are tied directly to alcohol use, including :

• unsafe sex
• educational failure
• violence
• suicide
• alcohol overdose
• traffic fatalities

Talking to Your Child

The idea of speaking with your child can be a bit intimidating, but the results can be extremely rewarding, and in fact teens want to hear their parents input on their alcohol consumption. Studies have shown that around 80% of teens think their parents should have a say in whether or not they consume alcohol.

The use of drugs and alcohol by teens is alarming, and parents really do make a difference. Parents who discuss drug and alcohol with their children reduce the chances of their teens having substance abuse issues by 50%. When young people wait to try alcohol and drugs they lower the risk that they develop substance related issues.

One of the most important parts of April’s celebration of Alcohol Awareness is the weekend of March 31st-April 2nd this year, when we will be observing Alcohol-Free Weekend. This weekend is dedicated to raising awareness of the public about the issues influencing families and the community which are directly related to alcohol use.

Tips on How to Talk to Your Teen:

• Go in with a Game Plan
• Tell the Truth
• Make it a Chat
• Be Open about the Risks
• Debunk the Myths
• Address Peer Pressure
• Let Your Teen know they can be open with you
• Relax
• Help them understand your expectations