April 2021 is Alcohol Awareness Month. Alcohol Awareness Month is an annual public health program organized by NCADD, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. This annual awareness campaign was developed to increase awareness, education, and understanding regarding the dangers of alcohol, alcoholism, and issues that people may have related to alcohol. Alcohol Awareness Month also looks to increase understanding and awareness of the causes and treatment of alcoholism, one of America’s top public health issues.
Each year, communities and organizations spread awareness of the dangers of alcoholism, understanding of alcoholism, offer resources for treatment, and work to reduce the stigma around alcohol use disorder, alcoholism, and alcohol addiction. Through events, campaigns, and outreach, Alcohol Awareness Month offers the public better opportunities to better understand and engage in solutions surrounding alcoholism, treatment, and recovery.
Alcohol Awareness Month is important because there is no other substance, legal or illegal, that is more widely used, misused, and abused by Americans than alcohol.
Additionally, the need for education and understanding regarding the use of alcohol by underage and young adult Americans is vital in helping to overcome this public health issue. Over 50% of full-time college students ages 18-to-22 drank alcohol within the past month, with Almost 40% engaging in binge drinking behavior, and almost 10% reporting they engaged in heavy alcohol use or misuse.
National organizations, local, state and national health organizations, community organizations, treatment centers, and clinical professionals will engage in Alcohol Awareness Month 2021 through educational outreach and events, community partnerships, and advertising and marketing campaigns. Some events will be in person, but due to COVID-19, many events this year will commence in a virtual setting. Some of the major themes of Alcohol Awareness Month 2021 will focus on prevention, education for parents regarding the dangers of underage drinking, the important role that parents and communities can play in better educating young adult Americans about alcohol, the dangers of alcohol, and alcoholism, and bringing awareness to many of the resources that exist for those suffering from alcohol use disorder or alcoholism, including treatment resources, clinical resources, educational resources, community-based resources like Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-Step fellowships.
If you or someone you know needs help for addiction or co-occurring disorder issues, please give us a call. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center offers the most comprehensive dual diagnosis addiction treatment in the Mid-Atlantic area. If we aren’t the best fit for you or your loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at (410) 773-0500 or email our team at info@marylandaddictionrecovery.com. For more information on all of our drug addiction, alcohol addiction and co-occurring disorder services and recovery resources, please visit our website at www.marylandaddictionrecovery.com.