This April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Founded and sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) since 1987, this year’s theme is: “Connecting the Dots: Opportunities for Recovery.”

No other substance is more widely used and abused by America’s youth than alcohol, making alcoholism and alcohol-related problems the number one public health problem in the United States.

It is important to connect the dots that lead to awareness and recovery from underage alcohol and drug use. Fostering healthy and responsible attitudes, talking openly and honestly, encouraging supportive relationships, and showing children that their opinions and decisions matter, are all ways to help prevent the use of alcohol and drugs.

It can be challenging to develop the communication skills needed to talk with your children about drinking and drugs, but it will be well worth the effort you put into it, as you get to know your children a little better and help them build the coping skills they need to handle the anger, stress, peer pressure, loneliness and disappointment that are part of being an adolescent.

So, let’s get started. We can’t afford to wait any longer.

Quick Links

Substance Use Prevention – Parents/Grandparents/Adults
Substance Use Prevention – Teens
Drug Use Prevention
National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence