This month’s focus is on Alcohol and Illegal Drug Awareness. According
to the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence, there are more
deaths and disabilities each year in the U.S. from substance abuse than
from any other cause. Approximately 18 million Americans have alcohol
problems. More than nine million children live with a parent dependent
on alcohol and /or illicit drugs. One-quarter of all ER visits, 1/3 of all
suicides and greater than half of all homicides and incidents of domestic
violence are alcohol-related. What financial cost does this have on our
country? Untreated addiction costs more than treatments for diabetes,
heart disease and cancer combined. The good news is that addiction
can be overcome with proper treatment, prevention, and more research.
The costly burdens on the family and our society can be reduced with
increased access to treatment. Treatment not only saves lives, but it also
saves money that would have been spent on social services and other
areas of medical care. The first weekend in April is designated as an
Alcohol-free Weekend. This is designed to raise public awareness about
the use of alcohol and how it affects families.
For more information check out www.ncadd.org and the Health
Happenings bulletin board for more websites and literature.
For any questions please call Amy at 882-2347 ext. 144