April has been known as Alcohol Awareness Month for 25 years, and has not lost any of its relevance.
Alcohol abuse and misuse has a very large impact on this country so AAM continues to be of the utmost importance.
As of 4-14-2012, nationally, 3106 deaths have been attributed to drunk driving according to the Drunk Driving Death Clock.
Consider these facts from The Partnership at Drug Free.org via Join Together:
- In 2010, more than 10,000 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes – one every 51 minutes (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2012).
- Alcohol is the number one drug of choice for America’s young people, more than tobacco or illicit drugs, and underage alcohol use alone costs the nation an estimated $62 billion annually (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., 2012).
- More than 14 million people in this country are currently living with what can be defined as an addiction to alcohol.
- Each year, more than 100,000 people die as a result of alcohol-related issues.
- Every year, more than 13,000 people die as a result of liver disease related to alcoholism (rehabinfo, 2012).
In the U.S., Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports you have about a 30 percent chance of being involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time during your life according to Patrick Barone.
In 2010, drunk driving claimed the lives of 264 people in Michigan.
As we advance toward high school graduations, and prom nights, April is also a key time to emphasize the dangers of underage drinking. Far too many teens are losing their lives from alcohol-related crashes.
Alcoholism, and alcohol abuse can be deadly. The month of April, as well as any other one for that matter, is a time to focus on the problems alcohol can create, as well as an opportunity to understand what alcoholism is, what causes it, and provide effective treatment for lasting recovery.
Peace...
If you or a loved one needs help with any type of drug abuse/addiction problem, contact these sites depending on where you live. SEMCA (Wayne County residents), CARE (Macomb County residents), PACE (Oakland County residents), Drug Free Detroit (City of Detroit residents). For those residing outside the State of Michigan, contact SAMHSA for assistance. For assistance with medical marijuana issues contact The Michigan Medical Marijuana Association, Michigan Medical Marijuana Certification Center, or greentreesdetroit.com, phone number: (313) 967-9999, or (248) 677-2888.
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