To challenge and hopefully reduce the stigma surrounding alcoholism, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) established Alcohol Awareness Month back in 1987. Each April, NCADD encourages us to learn and spread truthful information about the chronic, progressive, and potentially fatal disease of alcoholism — the nation’s #1 public health problem.
Stigma surrounding alcoholism is a very real lingering cultural artifact in society and the unfortunate holdover of old ideas. Stigma is imposed by society, communities, friends, and even family — and can stand as a tall and demoralizing hurdle to people who are struggling with addiction. Stigma seems to offer yet one more reason for people to isolate and resist treatment.
But there’s hope! Recovery is possible. People can escape the clutches of active alcoholism and go on to live meaningful lives as assets to their families, jobs, and society. In fact, it’s reported that over 20 million people in the U.S. are living in active recovery.
Here’s what NCADD is saying about this year’s theme:
Alcohol Awareness Month is an opportunity to decrease stigma and misunderstandings in order to dismantle the barriers to treatment and recovery, and thus, make seeking help more readily available to those who suffer from this disease.
With this year’s theme — “Changing Attitudes: It’s not a ‘rite of passage.’ ” — the month of April will be filled with local, state, and national events aimed at educating people about the treatment and prevention of alcoholism, particularly among our youth, and the important role that parents can play in giving kids a better understanding of the impact that alcohol can have on their lives.
Local NCADD Affiliates, as well as schools, colleges, churches, and countless other community organizations, will sponsor a host of activities that create awareness and encourage individuals and families to get help for alcohol-related problems.
To recognize Alcohol Awareness Month this year, Kolmac is offering free evaluations throughout April. Do you suspect that you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol or other substances? Fill out our contact form below. You can also call us at (888) 331-5251 or contact us here.
