MADISON — The month of April is designated nationwide as Alcohol Awareness Month in an effort to increase public awareness of alcoholism, alcohol related issues, and alcohol abuse.
Here are some recent findings and facts from the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use & Health, an annual survey of the population of the United States aged 12 years old or older (sponsored by Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration). Note that binge use equals five or more drinks on the same occasion on at least one day in the past 30 days and heavy use equals five or more drinks on the same occasion on five or more days in the past 30 days.
- In 2009, nearly one quarter (23.7 percent) of persons aged 12 or older participated in binge drinking.
- In 2009, heavy drinking was reported by 6.8 percent of the population aged 12 or older, or 17.1 million people.
- In 2009, the number of persons aged 12 or older needing treatment for an alcohol use problem was 19.3 million. Of these, 1.7 million received alcohol use treatment at a specialty facility. Thus, there were 17.6 million people who needed but did not receive treatment at a specialty facility for an alcohol use problem.
Catholic Charities can help
Catholic Charities’ services are designed for persons experiencing difficulty with alcohol and other drug abuse issues. Catholic Charities helps each person through unique and individualized services. Recovery plans are customized for each individual.
Catholic Charities, Madison, manages Hope Haven-Rebos United, a private nonprofit offering comprehensive alcohol and drug treatment services addressing all issues related to recovery.
Residential treatment programs are certified by the State of Wisconsin and licensed by Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Learn more about Hope Haven treatment programs on the Catholic Charities Web site: www.ccmadison.org
Catholic Charities believes that every person needs to be treated with respect and dignity. Catholic Charities has been serving the Diocese of Madison since 1946 by providing help and creating hope.