April is Alcohol/Drug Awareness Month. The “Fridge” message is only the “Tip of the Iceberg”. It represents the easiest place for an under aged drinker to obtain beer, wine or alcoholic drinks. Of course the adult liquor and wine supply out in the open is just as easy as the medicine cabinet for drugs.
This month is a good time to discuss the subject of drugs and alcohol with your children. Research reveals that 40% of adolescents report drinking by the 8th grade and 55% report being drunk at least once by the 12th grade (Johnston et al. 2009). Parents need to set the rules for underage drinking… Research also shows that teens and young adults respect parents who have this conversation with them.
As a recovering alcoholic … 37 years sober and having lived with an active alcoholic for 21 years, who suffered with the disease and who died from alcoholism in January of 1995…. I know from personal experiences, the devastation that the disease can cause!
So let the “Fridge Campaign” be a wake up call to those whose drinking is causing harm to themselves or their family. There is help out there. You do not have to live with this disease alone. AA and ALANON are available to those who want help.
If this letter helps but one person. It will have served its purpose.
Lance C. Minor Jr.
Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor
New Canaan Health & Human Services Commission
