Alcohol Awareness Month

Presented By McDonald’s, I’m Lovin’ It!

(COLUMBUS) — April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) is encouraging Ohioans to “raise a glass responsibly” through a month-long outreach campaign. Content and resources for this campaign were gathered from the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS).

All April, the Ohio Liquor Facebook page will address alcohol awareness in a positive and productive light by sharing educational resources, promoting mindful consumption and offering non-alcoholic alternatives to many popular cocktails.

“Alcohol Awareness Month is a time to be thoughtful about alcohol consumption,” said Jim Canepa, DOLC superintendent. “This campaign reinforces our goal of promoting social responsibility with alcohol.”

DOLC continues to put social responsibility at the forefront of the conversation in the current edition of the quarterly Forty-Two+ magazine, available at all agency stores and also available online. The Division also conducts regular alcohol server trainings to ensure permit holders are consistently equipped with the education to ensure alcohol is not sold to anyone who is intoxicated or under the age of 21. “We have a responsibility to keep all Ohioans safe. While we permit and license businesses that sell alcohol, we are also responsible for educating them on the dangers of alcohol and overconsumption,” said Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sheryl Maxfield.

Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to potentially serious health complications and interfere with all areas of life, including work, school, and relationships. For many struggling with alcoholism, denial is a common trait.

People can often underestimate the amount they drink and even refuse to admit they may have a problem. Denial is also common among friends and family members who are uncomfortable acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

With warmer weather ahead and as we enter prom, graduation, and cookout season, this time of year creates a great opportunity for parents to have conversations with their kids about making safe and smart decisions about alcohol. Kids are influenced by so much these days – friends, teachers, celebrities, pop culture – yet parents are the leading influence on their relationship with alcohol. 

 In fact, Responsibility.org reported that throughout the last 10 years, 62% more kids reported talking to their parents about underage drinking. Kids also had these important conversations with educators, counselors and other adults.

For additional resources about safe alcohol consumption, including conversation starters and educational programs, visit rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov