PHOENIX — Former Governor Doug Ducey proclaimed the month of April to be Arizona Alcohol Awareness Month to raise awareness of the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States and to call upon all citizens, parents, governmental agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, hospitals, schools, and colleges in the State of Arizona to support efforts that will provide early education about alcoholism and addiction that will increase support for individuals and families coping with alcoholism. With these efforts, together, we can provide Hope, Help, and Healing for those in our community who are facing challenges with alcohol use and abuse.
View a PDF of the proclamation HERE.
View text of the proclamation below.
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WHEREAS, alcohol abuse can lead to devastating mental and physical consequences for individuals, families, and communities; and
WHEREAS, alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the average age of first time alcohol use is 13.7 years old; and
WHEREAS, results from the 2018 Arizona Youth Survey show that the most frequently reported substance ever used across 8th, 10th, and 12th grade youth is alcohol; and
WHEREAS, 11.1 percent of 12th graders in Arizona reported riding in a car in which the driver had been drinking; and
WHEREAS, excessive drinking is responsible for more than 4,300 deaths among underage youth each year; and
WHEREAS, 15 percent of adults in Arizona report binge drinking and 88,668 deaths are annually attributed to alcohol use; and
WHEREAS, research shows that parents are the number one reason why youth choose not to drink and a supportive family environment is associated with lower rates of alcohol use among adolescents; and
WHEREAS, statewide prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts surrounding alcohol and substance abuse can help individuals, families, and children coping with alcoholism and alcohol-related problems.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Douglas A Ducey, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim April 2019 as
ARIZONA ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH
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For more information or assistance, contact Governor Ducey's press office: (602) 542-1342.