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April is Alcohol Awareness Month

by Joy Spencer



Alcohol Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about alcohol abuse and encourage people to make healthy, safe choices. During this month, take some time to educate yourself and your loved ones about the dangers of alcohol abuse.

Each year, alcohol abuse in Oregon leads to 1,400 alcohol-related deaths, 5,100 violent crimes, and 41,000 offenses related to driving under the influence.



What are some things that you can do this month? 



Check in with yourself about your drinking habits. Do you enjoy a drink now and then? Many of us do, often when socializing with friends and family. Drinking can be beneficial or harmful, depending on your age and health status, and, of course, how much you drink. What's Your Drinking Pattern Quiz 

If you are concerned about  your alcohol use, or a loved one's abuse problems, here is a website of resources from Oregon's Department of Human Services that can help you: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/crisis.shtml




Talk to your kids about underage drinking. Getting the word across to your kids about the dangers of underage drinking is very important. Many parents don't realize what their kids do after school, at a friend's house, or at a party. And with prom and graduation season right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to have these conversations with your kids. Alcohol related tragedies involving teens increase dramatically in April, May and June so now is the perfect time to talk to your kids about the dangers of underage drinking. 

If you need help initiating these conversations, watch our video “Wasted” which features real kids that were involved in an unfortunate situation involving underage drinking and the tragic consequences that resulted from it. Also, check out this publication on underage drinking from our partners at the Virginia Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.

For more information about alcohol and minors, visit the OLCC's website: http://www.oregon.gov/OLCC/alcohol_and_minors.shtml.

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