People whose lives have been touched by addiction joined hands near Lewiston, Idaho, Sept. 18 to span the Interstate Bridge in a show of hope and solidarity.

Stephanie Smith of Idaho's KLEW-TV reported on the "Hands Across the Bridge" ceremony, a community event designed to celebrate September's designation as National Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery Month:

"What we are trying to do is a prevention event to show families that there is fun for families without drugs or alcohol and to also show the number of lives that are touched by addictions, whether it is alcohol or other substances and also to show others that there is hope in recovery," said Sherry Greenup, Asotin County Substance Abuse/Mental Health Coordinator.

There were speeches by those touched by alcohol and other drugs. Greenup says addiction is a huge problem in the Valley.

It's a very inter-generational, especially alcohol. It's been seen as a right of passage and at least my kids aren't doing drugs kind of thing, but I think that most people do know somebody, a lot of people are really good at hiding it, whether it is a neighbor or family friend or a spouse or sibling. 1 in 5, at least, they say are touched by alcoholism.

Labels: recovery. community, celebration

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‘Tis the season. Not for twinkle lights and fat men in red suits, but for proms and graduation. The season is upon us, and while teenagers and their parents have much to celebrate, they have some things to be cautious about, too. With celebration often comes alcohol – but times of celebration are no excuse to justify teen alcohol abuse.

“To help prevent underage drinking, the Family Talk program encourages open, honest communication between parents and children. Developed by an advisory panel of education, family counseling, child psychology and alcohol treatment professionals, Family Talk materials are distributed free to parents and educators…” (Source: Columbus Parent Magazine)

In a 2009 report, 68 percent of kids ages eight to 17 listed their parents as the people who most influenced their attitudes about drinking. The Family Talk program aims to help parents capitalize on their influence. Visit www.familytalkonline.com for more information.

 

Labels: alcohol_abuse, teenagers, celebration

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 0 Comments