Alcohol Awareness Month Alcohol Awareness Month is observed annually to encourage communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues. AAM began as a way to inform the public that alcoholism is a disease that can be treated – that it is not a moral weakness. AAM informs the public that those who are addicted to alcohol can and do recover. Alcohol Awareness Month has been sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence since 1987. A primary focus of AAM during the past 10 years had been to address underage drinking and the devastating effects it can have on our youth. As a national public awareness campaign, AAM has collaborated with many notable organizations such as The Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free, which is a unique coalition of over 30 Governors' spouses, Federal agencies, and public and private groups focused on the prevention of the use of alcohol by kids ages 9-15. Recovery Month Recovery Month efforts aim to promote societal benefits of alcohol and drug use disorder treatment, laud the contributions of treatment providers, and promote the message that recovery from alcohol and drug use disorders in all its forms is possible. National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month will be celebrated in September, 2005. Now in its sixteenth year, Recovery Month honors those individuals who have overcome addiction to alcohol and other drugs and to offer hope to those who have yet to embark on the journey.   Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day The goal of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day is to promote awareness of the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure to alcohol; increase compassion for individuals and families affected; gain momentum to ensure that women with alcohol concerns have a point of contact within their own community for support; and increase awareness about services available for children and families. A walk near downtown Charlotte was held on September 9th, 2005 at 9:09 a.m. to celebrate international FASD Awareness Day. Substance Abuse Awareness Month Since 1989, Charlotte has recognized Substance Abuse Awareness Month (SAAM) in October. The mission of SAAM is to heighten public awareness of substance abuse and promote healthy living. Substance Abuse Prevention Services leads a coalition of many agencies who come together to plan and implement events and activities. Our partners and sponsors are recognized for their continuous commitment and diligence in their efforts to make a difference in the community.