SEPTEMBER

Recovery Month - is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). Recovery Month is designed to recognize the efforts of people who are in recovery as well as those who provide them treatment.

Family Day - (4th Monday) Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner With Your Children^TM , was created by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse as a national effort to promote family dinners as an effective way to reduce substance abuse among children and teens. Local information and resources can be accessed here.

OCTOBER

Red Ribbon Campaign (October 23 - 31) - The Red Ribbon Campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week, October 23-October 31 each year.

DECEMBER

Lights on for Life – Lights on for Life Day is a symbolic headlight observance designed to focus attention on the impaired driving issue. It is also the kickoff for National Holiday Lifesavers Weekend.

MARCH

National Inhalants & Poison Awareness Week - This national campaign is an annual media-based, community-level program that takes place the third week in March. NIPAW is designed to increase understanding about the use and risks of inhalant involvement. It is an inclusive program that involves youth, schools, media, police departments, health organizations, civics groups and more. It has proven to be an effective means of mobilizing communities to reduce inhalant use. For more information about NIPC, click here.

APRIL

Alcohol Awareness Month - To recognize the serious problem of alcohol abuse, April is designated Alcohol Awareness Month. At locations across the United States, people can be screened—anonymously—to see if their drinking habits may be risky.

MAY

Prom and Graduation Season - Prior to prom and graduation times at schools across the United States (April through June), many schools plan programs aimed at educating youth against the dangers of drinking. These programs feature special speakers, presentations and even displays of crashed vehicles to emphasize the danger and create awareness.

JUNE-AUGUST

Summer break - Recent statistics indicate that a very high number of youth fatalities occur during the months of June, July and August. Teens can be productive by visiting local liquor stores and convenience stores and ask them to be diligent about checking IDs and not selling to anyone under the age of 21. They can urge establishments that serve liquor to be alert for customers who have had too much to drink and to assist them in getting home without driving. They can also design and distribute table tents to local restaurants, pubs and other eating establishments to remind customers it is illegal to drink under the age of 21 and not to mix drinking with other activities such as biking, swimming, and boating. Learn more here.