Wear Purple Day in Monmouth County – April is Alcohol Awareness Month; the month for raising awareness about the serious problem and harmful effects of alcohol abuse.
Alcohol Awareness Month provides opportunity to raise awareness about the serious problems and harmful effects of alcohol abuse. The Monmouth County Division of Behavioral Health acknowledges the importance of alcohol awareness. In the spirit of support and recognition for Alcohol Awareness Month in Monmouth County, the Division of Behavioral Health encourages all community members to participate by wearing purple on Friday April 16th 2021.
The color purple was chosen because of its similarity to the violet variety of quartz named amethyst. The word amethyst is of Greek origin and means “without drunkenness”. In ancient times it was believed that anyone carrying this stone could not become intoxicated. By wearing purple, we acknowledge that many lives are affected by alcohol use and we support individuals who are impacted.
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the Division of Behavioral Health is encouraging individuals and groups to acknowledge the importance of Alcohol Awareness Month by wearing purple while practicing social distancing and following all safety precautions and guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus.
Participants can send pictures of themselves wearing purple to the Monmouth County Municipal Alliance Coordinator William.Horbatt@co.monmouth.nj.us
“The difficulties that individuals with alcoholism and their loved ones endure every day have become even greater as this pandemic continues. Wear Purple Day is a small way for us to acknowledge their struggle and show our support.”
Those working from home may be struggling to entertain children who are not able to attend school. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) website encourages virtual participation in lieu of in-person events and activities. There are countless activities that teens, parents, caregivers, and teachers can do that don’t involve leaving the home. To see all the activities, visit https://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week
In recognition of people who are in recovery from alcohol use disorder, there are online programs and services available to help get through this period of uncertainty and stress and preserve their recovery.
www.smartrecovery.org
www.intherooms.com
www.12step.org
www.celebraterecovery.com
www.womenforsobriety.org
There are 21 County Municipal Alliance programs throughout New Jersey. Each Municipal Alliance consists of members from the community it serves. They are volunteer-driven committees dedicated to providing substance abuse prevention programs and activities within their communities.
If you would like more information about the Municipal Alliance in your community or to volunteer for your Municipal Alliance Committee or one of the county committees that oversee the program, contact William Horbatt, County Municipal Alliance Coordinator at (732) 431-6451.