April is Alcohol Awareness Month

During April, COCA recognizes Alcohol Awareness Month by working to spread awareness of the dangers of unhealthy alcohol consumption, including underage drinking, and driving under the influence. Programs and events include:

Reading Rebels Wellness Night: We are teaming up with the Reading Rebels basketball team on April 30 at 4PM, offering giveaways, free tickets and fun activities that focus on alcohol awareness.

Painting with a Purpose: Our Prevention Specialists are offering two sessions for Albright College students that involve discussions on social attitudes toward alcohol while students paint a mural for the SOS Berks Coalition that will be installed on a building in Reading. (See photos below)

Parents who Host Lose the Most: We offer free flyers, posters, banners and more to organizations and schools, reminding parents that it is unsafe, unhealthy, and illegal to provide alcohol to underage youth.

The John R. Elliott Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers: We’re encouraging Berks County residents to take the HERO pledge, and carry a HERO ID when serving as a designated driver for family and friends, qualifying them for free non-alcoholic beverages at participating Berks County HERO Establishments.

Get tips for responsible parties! Scroll down for advice on how to keep the focus of your celebrations on enjoying friends and family, not on alcohol.

Tips for Responsible Parties

Planning a party this spring? Don’t make alcohol the focus of your event. Keep your celebrations about enjoying friends and family and spending time together. We’ve put together these tips for hosts and guests:

Be a responsible host

1. Serve plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails.
2. If serving alcohol, set limits. Stop serving an hour before the party ends, do not serve minors, and do not let guests serve themselves.
3. Offer food throughout the night that is rich in protein and starches to slow the absorption of alcohol.
4. Organize games or activities that do not focus on drinking
5. Make sure everyone has a safe way to get home
6. Remember, not every one drinks. Your guests could be in recovery, pregnant, have health issues, or simply prefer to be alcohol free.

Be a Responsible guest

1. Do not go to a party planning to get drunk – set limits for yourself
2. Alternate beverages, drinking water or soda after an alcoholic beverage
3. Do not drink on an empty stomach or if you are taking medication
4. Avoid alcohol if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
5. If you drink, appoint a designated driver
6. Know what’s in your drink. A standard serving of alcohol contains 0.6 fluid ounces of pure ethanol.  Some popular mixed drinks and beer exceed the standard serving. Knowing this will help you consume responsibly.