Last Updated on September 30, 2014 by

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. This annual awareness campaign sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) since 1987, has been instrumental in giving a voice to people who are affected by alcoholism and abuse. Tragically millions of lives are affected by people who drink alcohol. This national campaign is aimed at addressing the Nation’s #1 public health problem through a broad range of media strategies, awareness campaigns, programs and events in their local communities.

Would you like to show support? Join us as we participate in the Alcohol-Free Weekend. Just by committing to having no alcohol during this 3-day period, you can let people around you know that you support safety and responsibility with the use of alcohol. Whether you’re attending an event or simply going out with friends, take a stand this weekend and go without alcohol. You may even consider being the designated driver for someone who does plan on drinking.

In support of Alcohol Awareness Month and the theme, “Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow, we hereby make this proclamation and encourage you to join us:

WHEREAS, Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States; and

WHEREAS, one in every 12 adults (17.6 million people) suffers from alcohol abuse or dependence; and

WHEREAS, more than half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking; and

WHEREAS, 100,000 persons die each year from alcohol-related causes: drinking and driving crashes, other accidents, falls, fires, alcohol-related homicides and suicides; and

WHEREAS, more than 7 million children live in a household where at least one parent is dependent on or has abused alcohol; and
WHEREAS, alcohol is a primary factor in the four leading causes of death for young persons ages 10-21; and

WHEREAS, young people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21; and

WHEREAS, alcohol-related problems cost America $224 billion ($746 per person) in lost productivity, absenteeism, healthcare costs, crime and family-related problems; and

WHEREAS, the typical American will see 100,000 beer commercials before he or she turns 18;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the team at Absolute Advocacy join the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) and do hereby support the proclamation that April 2014 is NCADD Alcohol Awareness Month. As alcohol and drug prevention educators and advocates, we also call upon all citizens, parents, governmental agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, hospitals, schools and colleges in (REPEAT NAME OF AREA) to support efforts that will reduce stigma, increase community awareness and increase support for individuals and families coping with alcoholism. Through these efforts, together, we can provide “Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow” for those in our community who are facing challenges with alcohol use and abuse.

May it be so decreed.

For more information about Alcohol Awareness Month, visit the NCADD website at NCADD.org.