The governor of the state of Oregon has named April "Alcohol Awareness Month." The designation comes, in part, in response to statistics from the Oregon Department of Human Services Addictions and Mental Health Division, which states that alcohol is the leading cause of death among the state's young people.

"As noted in the proclamation, alcohol contributes to adolescent motor vehicle crashes, traumatic injuries, poor school performance, and health and safety problems. Research shows that the younger individuals are when they start to drink, the more likely they are to become alcoholic."

DHS' Addictions and Mental Health Division prevention manager Rick Cady says April is just a "starting point" for raising awareness and getting people involved in finding solutions. Source: AA-UK.org.

NorthStar Center offers a rehab and recovery program for young adults who have completed full rehab and need a safe, sober environment to help them get back on track. Visit www.northstarcenter.com to learn more about their teen and young adult substance abuse recovery program.

Labels: alcohol, awareness, death