[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       IN SUPPORT OF ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH AND TAKE A STEP DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 1998

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
Alcohol Awareness Month and Take a Step Day, a nationwide campaign 
developed by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. 
The goal of this national campaign is to draw attention to the problems 
of alcoholism and work for solutions to this disease. The campaign 
focuses public awareness on the widespread effects and damage 
associated with alcohol problems. It heightens the awareness of 
community residents and students in our schools about the monumental 
risks and consequences of alcohol abuse and misuse. In my district on 
Long Island, this important campaign is sponsored by the Long Island 
Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence.
  Unfortunately, this type of awareness is all too necessary. Alcohol 
is the third leading cause of preventable death in our nation, killing 
nearly 100,000 Americans every year. 13.8 million Americans suffer from 
alcohol-related problems, including 8.1 million alcoholics. Over 43% of 
Americans have been exposed to alcoholism in their families and 13 
million Americans drink heavily, which means they consume five or more 
drinks at a time on five or more days a month. These heavy drinkers are 
five times more likely to use illicit drugs and are more likely to 
require extensive medical care. Nearly one-fourth of all Americans 
admitted to general hospitals have alcohol problems or are undiagnosed 
alcoholics who are treated for the consequences of their drinking. 
Alcoholism and alcohol-related problems cost the American economy at 
least $100 million health care and lost productivity every year.
  During April, alcohol awareness month, I call upon my colleagues in 
Congress, along with all citizens, parents, governmental agencies, 
public and private institutions, businesses, hospitals and schools to 
join me in fighting America's number-one drug problem by pledging to 
support research, education, housing, intervention and treatment for 
alcoholism and alcohol-related problems.

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