Al-Anon Family Groups Support Parents Concerned About Their Children’s Drinking
Virginia Beach, VA (PRWEB) September 25, 2013 -- Findings from a U.S. government survey conclude that underage drinking is both significant and alarming. During September National Recovery Month in the U.S., Al-Anon Family Groups brings attention to families and friends who have been affected by their young persons’ drinking.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released results of its 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) this month. The summary of national findings indicates significant reasons for parents to be concerned about their children’s drinking. Findings are compatible with a survey of Al-Anon Family Group members during the same period.
SAMHSA concluded in 2012 approximately 9.3 million young people between 12 and 20 years old reported drinking alcohol in the previous month. Approximately 5.9 million were binge drinkers and 1.7 million were heavy drinkers. Nearly twenty-five percent of young people 16-17 years old drank alcohol during the month prior to the survey. Almost 46 percent of ages 18-20 drank alcohol during the same period.
Parents who are concerned about their children’s use of alcohol constitute one of the fastest growing segments of Al-Anon. According to the 2012 Al-Anon Membership Survey, almost 30 percent of all Al-Anon members have been affected by a son or step-son’s drinking. Sixteen percent pointed to a daughter or step-daughter’s drinking as a focus for their concern. Al-Anon makes it possible for family members to begin to recover from the impact of a loved one’s drinking before, during, or after treatment for alcoholism.
Al-Anon Family Groups are for families and friends who have been affected by the problem drinking of someone close to them. Nearly 16,000 local groups meet every week throughout the U.S., Canada, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico. Al-Anon Family Groups meet in more than 130 countries, and Al-Anon literature is available in more than 40 languages. Al-Anon Family Groups have been offering strength and support to families and friends of alcoholics since 1951. Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. acts as the clearinghouse worldwide for inquiries from those who need help or want information about Al-Anon Family Groups and Alateen, its program for teenage members.
For more information about Al-Anon Family Groups, go to http://www.al-anon.alateen.org, or read a copy of "Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2014." Find a local meeting by calling toll-free: 1-888-4AL-ANON.
Pamela Walters, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/, +1 (757) 563-1600 1672, [email protected]
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