April is National Alcohol Awareness Month: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
Boca Raton, FL – April marks National Alcohol Awareness Month, launched by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence in 1987, to educate people about America’s #1 health problem: alcohol dependence. Claiming the lives of more than 90,000 people every year, this month focuses on raising awareness about alcohol misuse and dependency before it is fatal.
At Hanley Foundation, we focus on alcohol prevention because it is the most widely accessible substance to youth. Delaying a child’s first use of alcohol can help reduce the risk of alcohol-related problems and promote healthy development and decision-making.
It starts with education. My team and I take great pride in teaching tomorrow’s leaders about the importance of delaying their use of alcohol. The impact that makes is tremendous. First, it protects the developing brain. Early alcohol use has been linked to brain development problems, including structure and function changes. It is associated with an increased risk of developing disorders like alcohol use disorder later in life.
We are making a difference through our hard work in school districts throughout the state. We are raising awareness and positively influencing attitudes. This is more important than ever, realizing that today’s young people deal with harmful social media, bullying, and peer pressure daily. We remind them that alcohol is not an escape. We empower them through age-appropriate and evidence-based programs such as our Alcohol Literacy Challenge.
We crafted prevention activity workbooks with local educators. Our customized workbooks allow elementary, middle, and high schoolers to discover potential challenges and learn how to work through them. These workbooks inspire conversations with their parents so that together, they can navigate societal pressures.
Last year alone, Hanley Foundation provided direct services to over 70,000 children to prevent and delay using alcohol and other drugs. Through the hands-on work, nearly 9 out of 10 students in Palm Beach County have not had a drink in the past 30 days. That’s a big win for our community and our kids. If you’re searching for a therapist to help you with overcoming substance abuse, professionals like therapist sugar land can provide the support and guidance you need. You may also benefit from an Evening Intensive Treatment Program in Los Angeles to help with your recovery journey without disrupting your daily life. Visit treatment centers like Sober Living West Hollywood for professional rehab programs.
Children and teens who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to become alcohol addicted than those who do not drink before age 21. Our team knows that the longer we can delay the age of first use, the less likely individuals will suffer from addiction.
We are changing the conversation and seeing powerful outcomes.
Ryan Wertepny is the Chief Program Officer at the Hanley Foundation. A proven prevention professional, he plays a key role in educating families about the disease of addiction while helping our youth make healthy choices and become more media literate.
