Addiction Awareness Month

January 2006

Once again, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) of Middlesex County, Inc. is sponsoring Addiction Awareness Month during April. This month-long campaign is designed to educate schools, businesses, organizations, and the surrounding community about the real facts of addiction and how to take positive steps toward reducing it.

Thirty million Americans suffer with problems associated with addiction to alcohol and drugs. Their addiction not only harms their own lives, but also has profound negative effects on their families, co-workers, and community. The cost of addiction, including illness, lost work, accidents, and destructive behavior, tops $160 billion each year. The emotional toll on family, friends, co-workers, and the addicts themselves is incalculable. Whether it has been nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs, they have known the pain of addiction and the hope of recovery.

Addiction Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to promote the values that have given people the strength to beat drug and alcohol abuse and remain drug-free. While those who suffer from addiction must help themselves, it is also crucial for family, friends, co-workers and people with shared experiences to support those fighting to overcome their addiction. Communities play a key role in helping individuals achieve healthy lives. They can convey important information about the toll of alcohol and drug addiction, the benefits of recovery to society and allow young people to learn valuable lessons about their experiences.

We urge you to participate with us by planning special activities and events during April to increase awareness and promote healthy communities. Activities that you sponsor at your school, such as poster contests, parent education, and assemblies, are valuable ways to call people to action around addiction – America’s NUMBER ONE public health issue.

Since 1980, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) of Middlesex County, Inc. has been a valuable source of information regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. This information is provided through the agency’s many services, and in particular, the Jason Surks Memorial Prevention Resource Center.

The Jason Surks Memorial Prevention Resource Center houses tens of thousands of free brochures, pamphlets, and other educational material on issues related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. There are specific titles for teens, parents, young children, older adults, employers, and more. Most material is available in large quantities for health fairs, educational programs, or general distribution.

The Jason Surks Memorial Prevention Resource Center also maintains a video lending library containing more than 200 videotapes. These also range in topics for various audiences from young children to older adults. Videos can be borrowed for a period of two weeks.

In addition to providing materials to enhance your event, when you become a part of this countywide awareness campaign, you will receive publicity in our Addiction Awareness Month Calendar of Events. Simply complete the form and return it by February 22, 2006.

If you have any further questions, you can contact the NCADD of Middlesex County at 732-254-3344.