Advocacy and public policy. (editorial)

Advocacy and Public Policy

At last there seems to be a greater interest in alcoholism and chemical dependency. On a national level, there is the appointment of "Drug Czar" William Bennett and there has been a slight increase in monies for research efforts for the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

There are also efforts within state government such as the comprehensive drug plan being developed for the state of North Carolina.

Unfortunately, the emphasis often seems to be strictly on illegal drugs. I would like to see more coverage of the fact that alcohol is our number one drug. I challenge everyone in the field to press this issue.

When we are not part of certain groups, we think that our voices cannot be heard, but we can make a difference!

You may have the opportunity to meet your elected officials. If not, write them to inform them of your interests: they want to know the thinking of their constituents.

If you need to know more about the issues in the area of alcoholism and chemical dependency, the National Council on Alcoholism has a great deal of information. Their main office is in New York City; the Public Policy component is located in Washington, DC. In addition, the NCA has 200 affiliates scattered throughout the nation which are a major resource for information on public policy issues at the local and state levels, as well as a resource for education for communities.