Federal Alcohol Abuse
Agencies
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Many people are unaware of the number of
federal alcohol abuse agencies that exist. As a result, the
excellent programs and resources that are provided by these
agencies frequently go unused by those who need them the
most.
Online Alcohol Abuse, Substance Abuse, and
Alcoholism Governmental Agencies
There are a
surprising number of federal alcohol abuse agencies with websites that
focus on alcohol abuse, substance abuse, drug and
alcohol dependency, and adult and teen alcoholism.
The
vast number of these programs at the Federal, State, and local
governmental levels is a strong indication of the serious
nature that drug and alcohol abuse presents to everyone in our
country.
The good news is that these programs and agencies
exist. The bad news, however, is that many people who could
use the information and other resources that are available on these
websites are unaware that these programs exist.
In an age where almost all libraries and many homes
have computer access to the Internet, it becomes the responsibility
of parents, teachers, librarians, people employed in the human
services sector, employers, and our political leaders---to get the
word out about these excellent programs and resources.
Alcohol Policy Information
System (APIS). APIS is an online
resource that features detailed information on a wide variety
of alcohol-related policies and issues in the United States at both
the Federal and the State levels. APIS also
features compilations and analyses of alcohol-related regulations
and statutes.

Created primarily as a research tool, APIS makes it
easier to determine the nature of the law regarding studies on the
effects and effectiveness of alcohol-related policies.
In 2001, the highest rates for
alcohol-related fatal crashes in the United States were recorded
for drivers 21-24 years old (33%), followed by ages 25-34
(28%),
and 35-44 (25%). |
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health
(NIAAA). NIAAA supports and conducts behavioral and
biomedical research on the causes, consequences, treatment, and
prevention of alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. NIAAA
also provides leadership at the national level to reduce the severe
and often fatal consequences related to these problems.
National
Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). NIDA is
a national leader in employing the power of science to conduct
broad-based research about drug abuse and drug
addiction. NIDA also rapidly and effectively transmits
the findings of their research in order to improve drug abuse and
addiction policy, prevention, and treatment.
| Up to 40% of industrial
fatalities and 47% of injuries in the workplace are linked to
alcohol consumption and alcoholism. |
National
Institute on Drug Abuse for
Teens. The National Institute on
Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of
the National Institutes of Heath (NIH), created this Web
site to educate adolescents from the ages of 11 through 15 (as well
as their parents and teachers) on the science behind drug abuse.
NIDA enlisted the help of teens in developing the site to ensure
that the content addresses appropriate questions and timely
concerns.
In 2001, the highest rates for
alcohol-related fatal crashes in the United States were recorded
for drivers 21-24 years old (33%), followed by ages 25-34
(28%),
and 35-44 (25%). |
StopAlcoholAbuse.Gov is an
extensive gateway of Federal resources for information
about underage drinking and ideas for significantly reducing
this problem. Individuals interested in underage
drinking prevention—including community-based organizations, youth,
parents, and educators will discover a wealth of valuable
information at this website.
Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA
is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) that focuses attention, programs, and
funding on improving the lives of people with or at risk for
mental health and substance abuse disorders.
The Cool
Spot. Information
for teens about alcohol and how to resist peer pressure
regarding drinking alcoholic beverages.
In 1998 in the United States,
1,668 drivers from the ages of 16 to 20 were involved in
alcohol-related fatal motor vehicle crashes. Another 21,000 were
involved in alcohol-related accidents that
resulted in injury. |
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug
Dependence, Inc. (NCADD).
The NCADD provides information, help, education, and hope to the
public regarding alcoholism and drug dependence. NCADD
advocates the prevention, treatment, and the intervention of
alcoholism and drug dependence through a nationwide network of
Affiliates. In addition, NCADD operates a toll-free Hope Line
(800-NCA-CALL) for alcoholism and drug dependence information and
referral and a National Intervention Network (800-654-HOPE) to
educate and assist the families and friends of addicted
persons.
Federal Alcohol Abuse Agencies:
Conclusion
The outstanding resources and information provided by many
federal alcohol abuse agencies go unused by those
in need because in many instances, people are unaware of their
existence.
As a result, it is the responsibility of teachers,
librarians, parents, employers, people employed in the human
services sector, and our political leaders to get the word out
about these high quality and comprehensive programs and
resources.

| Individuals with drinking
problems or alcoholism at any time in their lives suffer income
reductions ranging from 1.5 percent to 18.7 percent depending on
age and sex compared with those with no such
diagnosis. |
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| In recent years, drugs other
than alcohol that act on the brain have increasingly been
recognized as hazards to road traffic safety. Research examining
these drugs indicates that marijuana is the most prevalent illegal
drug detected in impaired drivers, fatally injured drivers, and
motor vehicle crash victims. A variety of other drugs, such as
benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, and amphetamines, have also been
reported in fatal and nonfatal motor vehicle
crashes. |
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