Chip Meara, Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
Alcohol is the most widely used and abused drug in the United States. In this country, 17.6 million adults (1 in 12) abuse alcohol or are alcohol dependent. Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease that cuts across gender, race and socio-economic background and is also known as "alcohol dependence." It is a disease that impacts the entire family, not only the behavioral and physical health of the alcoholic. Many of Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction’s (MCADA) prevention programs focus on youth, because research indicates that youth who start drinking before the age of 15 are 5 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence later in life than those who begin drinking when they reach 21. We as parents need to talk to our children often about making healthy decisions, including staying alcohol-free. MCADA is hosting a Alcohol Awareness Display Booth in Quakerbridge Mall on April 1st, 12 noon-5pm. MCADA staff will be on hand to discuss issues related to alcohol use and offer tips on how to talk to young people about alcohol. Free giveaways! Stop by with the entire family! For more information, call MCADA Community Educator Chip Meara at 609-396-5874.

