In recognition of National Alcohol Awareness Month this April, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services have proudly partnered with community providers Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, Northern New Jersey Alcoholics Anonymous, Owen Health Care, and Prevention Links to bring residents “A Life’s Journey in Words,” an educational webinar on alcohol misuse. The free online seminar will take place live on Zoom on Tuesday, April 8th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and will feature a panel of diverse speakers who will share their powerful, personal stories of hope, recovery and resilience. Residents can register for free or learn more at ucnj.org/a-lifes-journey-in-words/.
“We are honored to present this opportunity for our residents to connect with the remarkable stories of resilience that will be shared by our guest panelists,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “Their journeys through the challenges of alcohol addiction serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Through their experiences, we hope that someone watching will be inspired to believe in the possibility of overcoming this adversity and see the pathway to healing and hope that awaits them on the other side.”
It was reported in the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health that 134.7 million Americans use alcohol, and nearly half of that group, or 61.4 million people, admitted to misusing alcohol in the past month. In the NJ Drug and Alcohol Abuse – Substance Use Overview of the same year, it was reported that 40% of Union County residents treated for substance abuse identified alcohol as their primary drug. Alcoholism is a progressive disorder, and dependency on the substance may increase over time, leading to health problems, challenges with employers and relationships, and a general loss of control.
“We understand the significant impact of alcohol misuse in our neighborhoods, and we believe that by partnering with community providers and health organizations such as those featured on this webinar, we can tackle this issue together and offer vital support, education, and a sense of community to individuals and their loved ones facing the struggles of alcohol misuse and addiction,” said Union County Commissioner and Human Services Advisory Council Liaison, Sergio Granados. “I encourage you to register for this informative webinar and to invite anyone who could benefit from these inspiring stories of recovery and renewed hope. If you or someone you love is struggling, I want you to know that you are not alone.”
A national helpline run by the Council on Substance Abuse – National Council on Alcoholism is available to the public at 800-662-HELP (4357) to provide free, confidential referrals and information on a 24/7, 365-day-a-year basis.
For more information about the 2025 Alcohol Awareness campaign in Union County, please contact Gene Tavera, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinator, Division of Individual & Family Support Services, Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse, in the Union County Department of Human Services at gene.tavera@ucnj.org or 908-527-4844.
To learn more about events and programs offered through the department of Human Services, visit ucnj.org/dhs/.