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News & Information

Wear Purple Day in Sussex County

Release Date: April 06, 2020
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, the month for raising awareness about the serious problem and harmful effects of alcohol abuse.

Wear Purple Day in Sussex County

April is Alcohol Awareness Month and an opportunity to raise awareness about the serious problems and harmful effects of alcohol abuse. The Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Community and Youth Services, and the Board of Chosen Freeholders join the New Jersey Association of County Alliance Coordinators and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) in acknowledging the importance of alcohol awareness. It is proclaimed that April 17, 2020 is "Wear Purple Day" in recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month in Sussex County.

Purple was chosen by NCADD because it is a color similar 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 Community and Youth Services 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 Do the 5 external link. Participants can send pictures of themselves wearing purple to Sussex County Municipal Alliance Coordinator Nick Loizzi at nloizzi@sussex.nj.us.

According to Loizzi, "The struggle that people with alcoholism and their loved ones endure every day can become 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 house. To see all the activities, visit https://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week external link.

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 external link
www.intherooms.com external link
www.12step.org external link
www.celebraterecovery.com external link
www.womenforsobriety.org external link

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 Nick Loizzi, Sussex County Municipal Alliance Coordinator and president of the New Jersey Association of County Alliance Coordinators, at (973) 940-5200, ext. 1383.