The 2019 theme, “Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow,” is designed to draw attention to the pervasive impact that alcohol, alcoholism and alcohol-related problems have on young people, their friends, families and communities — and to highlight the reality that help is available and recovery is possible.

• excessive drinking is responsible for more than 4,300 deaths among underage youth each year
• more than 1.6 million young people report driving under the influence of alcohol in the past year
• young people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21
• drinking by persons under the age of 21 is linked to 189,000 emergency room visits

ALCOHOL-FREE WEEKEND TO BE OBSERVED APRIL 5-7, 2019

Alcohol-Free Weekend, traditionally observed during Alcohol Awareness Month in April, is scheduled for April 5-7, 2019.

Alcohol Awareness Month, founded and sponsored by Facing Addiction with NCADD since 1987, is a national grassroots effort observed by communities throughout the United States to support prevention, research, education, intervention, treatment and recovery from alcoholism and alcohol-related problems.

During Alcohol-Free Weekend (April 5-7, 2019), Facing Addiction with NCADD and Family & Community Services of Somerset County ask parents and other adults to abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages for a 72-hour period to demonstrate that alcohol isn’t necessary to have a good time. If participants find it difficult to go without alcohol during this period, they are urged to call 732-356-1082 for information about alcoholism.

Family & Community Services of Somerset County (FCSSC) offers mental health, addictions, and other community-based services to those who live and work in Somerset County and other surrounding communities. We specialize in providing support, guidance, and counseling to individuals and families in need.  If you think you need help, please call 732-356-1082.