Alcohol Awareness and You

April is Alcohol Awareness Month (AAM), and #CitygateNetwork and our many mission and ministry members are keenly aware of the impact alcohol addiction has on our invisible neighbors. The annual recognition of #AlcoholAwarenessMonth was established in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence to help communities raise public awareness while providing answers and ending the stigma associated with alcohol abuse.

Alcohol and drug addiction affect millions of Americans each year. Nearly 10% of all Americans will experience some form of substance use disorder in their lives, with only 1 in 10 receiving treatment. Unfortunately, many of those not receiving treatment end up on the streets or at our member's doorsteps.

22.9 million Americans have a drug or alcohol use disorder
70 percent of young people who abuse substances before the age of 13 will develop an addiction
70k Americans die from drug or alcohol overdose each year.

Conservative estimates report that the U.S. Government expends over 35 billion dollars a year to battle addiction. However, over 700 thousand people have lost their lives in the past twenty years despite that influx of money. Being aware of the facts on drug and alcohol abuse, what treatment is available, and how to get yourself or loved ones into treatment for addiction can save lives.

Here are a few ways you can observe Alcohol Awareness Month in your community:

• Practice restricting your consumption by keeping track of the amount consumed.
• Become informed about how alcohol affects the body in both the short and long term.
• Encourage parents to discuss alcohol abuse with children.7
• Mission workers can make a concerted effort to talk about options with their clients and guests during April.

And if you or someone you know needs help with this or other forms of addiction, our members a nearby and can help. Visit our member locator page to find one near you.