Over the past 20 years, prevention efforts have made steady progress in reducing alcohol misuse among youth and young adults due to comprehensive evidence-based approaches by communities, states, and federal partners. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, between 2002 and 2020, current drinking by adolescents and young adults has declined. Among 12- to 17-year-olds, current drinking declined from 34.6 percent in 2002 to 18.5 percent in 2020, and among 18- to 25-year-olds it declined from 77.9 percent to 69.5 percent during the same period.

The Dangers of Underage Drinking

Chronic pain such as the type related to muscle conditions, neuropathy, and migraines has been shown to cause a persistent elevation in blood pressure with a decrease in sensitivity to the pain over time. It will help you to know what symptoms to watch for and how hypertension can be managed with lifestyle changes, like smoking cessation or stress management, as well as medication. Teens that are interested in hosting events must partner with an adult who meets this criterion (including your parents!). Every year, April is recognized as Alcohol Awareness Month to address the stigma surrounding alcoholism and help educate the public on alcohol-related issues. Recognizing that you want to change your relationship with alcohol is a big step, and it can be overwhelming to think about the next steps, such as treatment.

National Recovery Month 2023

Recent findings from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health underscore this, revealing that millions of Americans, including adolescents, grapple with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). This revelation calls for a deeper understanding of alcohol’s grip on society—highlighting not only its historical persistence as a challenge but also its modern-day implications. NIAAA supports and conducts research on the impact of alcohol use on human health and well-being.

National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

In 2023, President Biden once again declared September as ‘National Recovery Month,’ a time to recommit to helping prevent substance use disorder, supporting those who are still struggling, and providing people in recovery with the resources they need to live full and healthy lives. Two years ago, we found about 24.6 percent of 14- to 15-year-olds reported having at least 1 drink. We also found out that seven million young people ages 12 to 20 reported that they drank alcohol beyond “just a few sips” in the past month.

National Recovery Month Toolkit

Make sure to register your event, have it listed on the Events Map, or promote it as an NDAFW event. Please send an email to with information about your event, the dates, and any questions you may have. Access a suite of prevention- and mental health-focused activities to share within your community.

1. Blood pressure changes will continue until the pain is no longer detected, when blood vessels relax and blood pressure returns to normal levels.
2. 7 in 10 of adults who have had a mental health or substance use condition are in recovery.
3. Chronic pain such as the type related to muscle conditions, neuropathy, and migraines has been shown to cause a persistent elevation in blood pressure with a decrease in sensitivity to the pain over time.
4. All approved events will be displayed on the Events Map within 2 weeks of submitting the registration form.
5. Among 12- to 17-year-olds, current drinking declined from 34.6 percent in 2002 to 18.5 percent in 2020, and among 18- to 25-year-olds it declined from 77.9 percent to 69.5 percent during the same period.

NDAFW provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners to help advance the science and address youth drug and alcohol use in communities and nationwide. Sign up for NDAFW email updates below, and find lots of great resources for planning and promoting your very own NDAFW event. Alcohol is the most widely used substance among America’s youth, and drinking by young people poses enormous health and safety risks. The consequences of underage drinking can affect everyone—regardless of age or drinking status. With this in mind, Alcohol Awareness Month gives public health bodies, community centers, and treatment facilities the chance to increase their efforts to reach people who may not fully appreciate the dangers of unhealthy alcohol consumption.

Under the influence of alcohol, individuals may engage in unprotected sex or make choices they otherwise wouldn’t, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. As I discussed in my previous blog post, NIAAA also has an important new website that can help you navigate the often complicated process of choosing treatment for alcohol problems. We keep track of bath salts abuse and addiction fun holidays and special moments on the cultural calendar — giving you exciting activities, deals, local events, brand promotions, and other exciting ways to celebrate. As a result of the ban, the illegal trade of alcohol booms, leading to the cancellation of the prohibition law. Click here to learn more about going to rehab for alcohol use or the difference between inpatient and outpatient programs.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s Rethinking Drinking page has interactive resources to help you examine your drinking patterns. For additional resources and information about alcohol use and your health, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thank you to everyone who helped make National Prevention Week https://sober-house.org/alcohol-as-a-seizure-trigger/ 2024 a success by joining SAMHSA in celebrating new prevention initiatives, planning events in your community, sharing your #MyPreventionStory, and more! Hear from grantees and coalition members as they share their stories and highlight the power of the prevention community in our National Prevention Week 2024 Community Showcase video.

Our programs promote sound mental health, effective family functioning, and awareness of the devastating effects of substance misuse and dependency. NSDUH estimates allow researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and the general public to better understand and improve the nation’s behavioral health. These reports and detailed tables present national estimates from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

Pain is a response from the involuntary nervous system used to protect the body from harm. No matter what type of pain occurs, the nervous system uses the same mechanisms to relieve it. During National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® and year round, teens can test their knowledge about drugs, alcohol, and drug use by taking the interactive National Drug and Alcohol IQ Challenge quiz. Send questions, events, and requests to SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week coordinator David Wilson at A critical short-term risk of excessive drinking is alcohol poisoning—a serious and potentially deadly condition that occurs when high levels of alcohol in the bloodstream suppress the nervous system, affecting breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. Alcohol remains a profoundly influential substance, especially among younger demographics.

The D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and Know Your Limits campaigns have also instilled much-needed information about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption in children from an early age. If you feel you or a loved one may be struggling with alcoholism, don’t worry, you’re not alone. https://sober-house.net/the-alcohol-depression-connection-symptoms/ We understand how overwhelming it can be to consider seeking help for addiction and we’re here to take that burden off your shoulders. Our admissions navigators are available 24/7 to discuss your alcohol addiction treatment options and answer any questions you may have about the process.