Every April, Alcohol Awareness Month gives us a chance to pause, reflect, and start meaningful conversations about alcohol use and its effects on our families, friends, and communities.
At the McCall Behavioral Health Network, we believe this time is not just about raising awareness—it’s about inspiring action, encouraging prevention, and supporting recovery. Because the truth is, alcohol continues to have a profound impact on our communities, and yet, with knowledge and care, its harm is largely preventable.
The impact of alcohol in our communities.
Excessive alcohol use continues to be a serious public health concern, with a significant impact on individuals and families across the country. While the numbers are concerning, what matters most is the reminder that these are real lives—real people—affected by alcohol-related harm.
Alcohol use is a key factor in several chronic conditions such as cancer, liver disease, heart disease, and alcohol use disorder. It's also linked to millions of emergency room visits each year due to alcohol poisoning, accidents, injuries, and violence. Alcohol-impaired driving is another sobering reality. In 2022, nearly one-third of all vehicle crash fatalities were caused by alcohol impairment. These are all consequences that could have been prevented.
Prevention starts with a conversation.
The good news? Recovery is possible. Change is possible. Prevention is possible.
One of the most powerful tools we have is our voice—especially when it comes to supporting young people. Research tells us that nine in ten adults with a substance use disorder began using substances before the age of 21. That means our early conversations matter more than we might think.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, mentor, or educator, you can play a crucial role in helping young people make healthy decisions. And the best part is—you don’t need to have a perfect script. Just talking regularly, openly, and honestly makes a big difference.
Here are some tips for parents from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on how to talk with your children about alcohol and other substances:
- Short, frequent conversations are more impactful than one big talk.
- Talking often builds an open, trusting relationship with your child.
- Be clear about your views and rules regarding alcohol.
- Understand that as your child grows, the conversation will evolve.
- Listen just as much as you speak—this is a two-way conversation.
- Remember, your actions speak as loudly as your words.
We're here to help.
Alcohol Awareness Month is an ideal time to start the conversation—but it shouldn’t end here. At McCall, we offer a range of prevention services, education, and support for individuals and families at every stage of the journey—from early intervention to long-term recovery.
While we still face serious challenges, there is reason for hope. Nationally, we’re seeing encouraging declines in youth substance use, including alcohol, among students. These positive trends remind us that prevention works.
To learn more, including access to SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign and helpful resources for families, visit us at mccallbhn.org/prevention-services.
Together, we can reduce the impact of alcohol use and build a healthier, safer future for everyone in our community. |
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