April 1 is the start of the 30th annual Alcohol Awareness Month in the U.S. Created and promoted by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), Alcohol Awareness Month is now supported by many groups and organizations, including the CDC, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), MADD, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Go alcohol-free this weekend
Each year, the first weekend of April is designated “Alcohol-Free Weekend.” People are encouraged to refrain from drinking during the three-day period (April 1–3, 2016) to raise awareness about how drinking and alcohol misuse impact individuals and communities alike.
Alcohol misuse by the numbers
And just what are the effects of alcohol misuse and abuse? Below are some stats:
- According to the CDC, excessive alcohol is responsible for 88,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.
- Excessive alcohol consumption cost the United States $249 billion in 2010—about $807 per person.
- There are 1.4 million arrests and 1.1 million convictions for drunk driving each year.
- One-third of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related.
- Alcohol is a factor in 40% of all violent crimes.
- 36% of offenders under correctional supervision were drinking at the time of their offense.
- One-third of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related.
In a recent survey, 76% of respondents reported that alcohol poses either a very serious or moderately serious problem in their community. When asked what communities should do to combat alcohol and substance abuse issues, respondents ranked affordable, quality treatment at the top of the list, along with educating doctors about the risks posed by substance abuse so that they can better treat their patients.
Have a story about how your community is addressing alcohol-related problems and crime? Be part of Alcohol Awareness Month by sharing it below in the comments!
