Spotlighting different awareness topics helps to educate the community and it reminds people that these conditions exist. For the month of April, we will bring attention to alcohol awareness.
According to the alcohol.org(1), Alcohol Awareness Month is a public health program organized by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence as a way of increasing outreach and education regarding the dangers of alcoholism and issues related to alcohol. The program was started in April 1987 with the intention of targeting college-aged students who might be drinking too much as part of their newfound freedom. Alcohol Awareness Month has since become a national movement to draw more attention to the causes and effects of alcoholism as well as how to help families and communities deal with drinking problems.
How can you help Alcohol Awareness Month make a difference?
We can use this month to raise awareness about alcohol abuse and act to prevent it — both at home and in the community. Here are just a few ideas:
• Encourage friends or family members to make small changes, like keeping track of their drinking and setting drinking limits.
• Encourage your church or faith organization to add information about alcohol to your church’s newsletter or post on their website.
• Tweet about Alcohol Awareness Month.
• Host a virtual community event where families can learn about local addiction resources.
Beloved, during Alcohol Awareness Month, an important part of this awareness month is encouraging and choosing an Alcohol- Free Weekend during the month of April. The intent is for the drinker to be encouraged to stop drinking from Monday – Friday and then gauge the effect of being alcohol free. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence notes if it was difficult to manage 72 hours without drinking, that struggle could signal a dependence on alcohol that should be more closely examined by contacting your health care provider.(2)
Source:
1 www.alcohol.org/awareness- month
2 National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
Next Week: Harm of Adolescent Alcohol Abuse
General Disclaimer: The writer has used her best efforts in preparation of this information. No representations or warranties for its contents, either expressed or implied, are offered. Neither the publisher nor the writer shall be liable in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize the information or recommendations presented herein as they may not be suitable for you or necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your medical doctor or health care provider. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
