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.
In 2001, the highest rates for
alcohol-related fatal crashes in the United
States were recorded for drivers 21-24 years
old (33%), followed by ages 25-34 (28%),
and 35-44 (25%). |
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.
| Individuals with drinking
problems or alcoholism at any time in their
lives suffer income reductions ranging from 1.5
percent to 18.7 percent depending on age and
sex compared with those with no such
diagnosis. |
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,
treatment.
| Up to 40% of industrial
fatalities and 47% of injuries in the workplace
are linked to alcohol consumption and
alcoholism. |
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.
In 2001, the highest rates for
alcohol-related fatal crashes in the United
States were recorded for drivers 21-24 years
old (33%), followed by ages 25-34 (28%),
and 35-44 (25%). |
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.
In 1998 in the United States,
1,668 drivers from the ages of 16 to 20 were
involved in alcohol-related fatal motor vehicle
crashes. Another 21,000 were involved in
alcohol-related accidents that
resulted in injury. |
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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| Individuals with alcoholism and
drug abusers are at increased risk for
HIV/AIDS, as well as other infectious diseases
like hepatitis and tuberculosis. |
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