Juneau -- Recognizing the example set by Alaskans who practice sobriety, the Alaska Senate today declared March as Sobriety Awareness Month.

"Alcohol and drug abuse causes so much pain in Alaska," said Senator Jerry Ward (R-Anchorage/Kenai), who sponsored Senate Resolution 1. "But at the same time there are many, many Alaskans who have fought their way back to sobriety who serve as role models in our communities. This resolution is our way to recognize those efforts, and to encourage individuals to pursue and encourage sobriety instead of just looking at the problems," said Sen. Ward.

Sen. Ward notes the benefits of sobriety are three-fold:

1. Improvement in the quality of life and health of individuals, families, and communities;
2. Reduction in the incidence of alcohol and drug related crimes;
3. Reduction in the burden of government by not having to exhaust its resources to pay for the pervasive problems caused by alcohol and drug abuse.

"I'm pleased that the Legislature unanimously approved this bill and named March Sobriety Awareness Month," said Sen. Ward. "It shows the citizens of Alaska that sobriety is worth the effort to pursue."

March has been designated Sobriety Awareness Month by the Legislature and the Governor every year since 1995.

Broadcasters Note: Radio actualities can be found at (800) 478-6540 or
= Jerry Ward, 48 K