The World Health Organization (WHO) announced last week that alcohol is to blame for just about 4% of, or 2.5 million deaths worldwide annually. Alcohol attributable injuries are a growing concern for the public health community, with alcohol-related injuries such as car crashes, burns, poisonings, falls and drownings making up more than a third of the disease burden attributable to alcohol consumption. AIDS was a close second with 2.1 milion deaths in 2009.

Alcohol is a causal factor in 60 types of diseases and injuries, according to WHO's first report on alcohol since 2004. Its consumption has been linked to cirrhosis of the liver, epilepsy, poisonings, road traffic accidents, violence, and several types of cancer, including cancers of the colorectum, breast, larynx and liver.

A link to the World Health Organization's report is here.

It's Children of Alcoholics Week

This week marks Children of Alcoholics Week 2011, an observance designed not only to  raise awareness that alcoholism and drug addiction have an adverse impact on the users, but also       to underscore that it is often their children who are hurt even more. Since 1988, the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) has also designated this special week to celebrate the recovery of the millions of children of alcoholics (of all ages) who have received the support and help they need to overcome the pain and losses suffered in childhood. COA Week also offers hope to those who are still living with the adverse emotional and physical impact of a parent's alcohol and drug use.

An estimated 17 million children in the U.S. are impacted by parents with alcohol or drug use disorders. About one in four children under the age of 18 are exposed to a family alcohol problem, in addition to others impacted by parental drug abuse. These children and youth often live in homes that are stressful, sometimes frightening. They may experience neglect or abuse. In preschool they have poorer language skills. At home they fear to share their feelings; outside the home they keep the family secrets, ashamed of what happens in their homes and afraid to let others know. In school they are at risk of being distracted, worried, and frequently absent. Throughout life their health risks are greater, both mentally and physically.

R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, in voicing the Administration's support for Children of Alcoholics Week, acknowledged not only the devastating effects substance abuse has on the abuser but also that it can severely impact family members, friends, and entire communities, exacting emotional, medical, economic, and public safety costs that touch everyone. Each addicted person's disease claims many victims. "Unfortunately," he said, "the most vulnerable of all these victims are often the children of substance abusers. Research tells us that they are more likely to become involved in the juvenile justice system, and have social, educational, and other problems. Making matters worse, children who have family members struggling with addiction are at significant risk for substance abuse and addiction themselves." 

Don't get closed out! 

Join us for a safe and sober St. Patrick's Day as we share a few laughs at the Showplace in Bellmore. This comedy show - a fundraiser for LICADD - is headlined by the wonderful and talented standup comics from Recovery To Go - folks who share our belief that recovery should be fun! The show starts at 8:00PM. Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the door. This show is sure to sell-out!  Click here or or call 516-747-2606 for tickets. Do it. Right now.

Angel Ball Kick-Off

Thursday, March 10

Kellenberg Memorial HS

St. Patrick's Day Comedy Show

Thursday, March 17

The Showplace at Bellmore