Federal Alcohol Abuse Agencies

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Many people are unaware of the number of federal alcohol abuse agencies that exist. As a result, the excellent programs and resources that are provided by these agencies frequently go unused by those who need them the most.

Online Alcohol Abuse, Substance Abuse, and Alcoholism Governmental Agencies

There are a surprising number of federal alcohol abuse agencies with websites that focus on alcohol abuse, substance abuse, drug and alcohol dependency, and adult and teen alcoholism.

The vast number of these programs at the Federal, State, and local governmental levels is a strong indication of the serious nature that drug and alcohol abuse presents to everyone in our country.

The good news is that these programs and agencies exist.  The bad news, however, is that many people who could use the information and other resources that are available on these websites are unaware that these programs exist. 

In an age where almost all libraries and many homes have computer access to the Internet, it becomes the responsibility of parents, teachers, librarians, people employed in the human services sector, employers, and our political leaders---to get the word out about these excellent programs and resources.

Alcohol Policy Information System (APIS). APIS is an online resource that features detailed information on a wide variety of alcohol-related policies and issues in the United States at both the Federal and the State levels. APIS also features compilations and analyses of alcohol-related regulations and statutes. 

Created primarily as a research tool, APIS makes it easier to determine the nature of the law regarding studies on the effects and effectiveness of alcohol-related policies.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health (NIAAA).  NIAAA supports and conducts behavioral and biomedical research on the causes, consequences, treatment, and prevention of alcoholism and alcohol-related problems.  NIAAA also provides leadership at the national level to reduce the severe and often fatal consequences related to these problems.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).  NIDA is a national leader in employing the power of science to conduct broad-based research about drug abuse and drug addiction. NIDA also rapidly and effectively transmits the findings of their research in order to improve drug abuse and addiction policy, prevention, and treatment.

National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens.  The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the National Institutes of Heath (NIH), created this Web site to educate adolescents from the ages of 11 through 15 (as well as their parents and teachers) on the science behind drug abuse. NIDA enlisted the help of teens in developing the site to ensure that the content addresses appropriate questions and timely concerns.

StopAlcoholAbuse.Gov is an extensive gateway of Federal resources for information about underage drinking and ideas for significantly reducing this problem.  Individuals interested in underage drinking prevention—including community-based organizations, youth, parents, and educators will discover a wealth of valuable information at this website.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  SAMHSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that focuses attention, programs, and funding on improving the lives of people with or at risk for mental health and substance abuse disorders.  

The Cool Spot.  Information for teens about alcohol and how to resist peer pressure regarding drinking alcoholic beverages.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD). The NCADD provides information, help, education, and hope to the public regarding alcoholism and drug dependence. 

NCADD advocates the prevention, treatment, and the intervention of alcoholism and drug dependence through a nationwide network of Affiliates.

In addition, NCADD operates a toll-free Hope Line (800-NCA-CALL) for alcoholism and drug dependence information and referral and a National Intervention Network (800-654-HOPE) to educate and assist the families and friends of addicted persons.

Federal Alcohol Abuse Agencies:  Conclusion

The outstanding resources and information provided by many federal alcohol abuse agencies go unused by those in need because in many instances, people are unaware of their existence.

As a result, it is the responsibility of teachers, librarians, parents, employers, people employed in the human services sector, and our political leaders to get the word out about these high quality and comprehensive programs and resources.

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