Each April since 1987, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. sponsors NCADD Alcohol Awareness Month to promote public awareness of alcoholism and alcohol-related issues.

The 2016 NCADD Alcohol Awareness Month theme is:  “Talk Early, Talk Often: Parents Can Make a Difference in Teen Alcohol Use.”

Alcohol Awareness Month 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 1-3, 2016), NCADD and the 412th Mental Health Flight asks 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 661-277-5291 for information about alcoholism.

The Edwards AFB Mental Health Flight invites base community members to stop by the Alcohol Awareness Month display table at the Exchange 11 a.m.-1 p.m., March 28, to take the pledge to be alcohol-free April 1-3; to raise public awareness about the use of alcohol; and to highlight the impact of alcohol use on individuals, families, businesses and communities.

For more information regarding Edwards AFB Alcohol-Free Weekend, please contact Gwen Turner at 661-277-5291.

Please be aware, Edwards AFB Helping Agencies are here to assist in any way possible to ensure the safety of the Edwards community.  Helping agencies include, but are not limited to,  the ADAPT Program, mental health clinic, Edwards Family Advocacy, chaplains, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, victim advocates, Employee Assistance Program, Military & Family Life Consultants (MFLCs), Airman & Family Readiness Center, first sergeants, and Airmen Against Drunk Driving.