Sponsor Statement for SCR 4

"A Senate Concurrent Resolution declaring March 1997 as Sobriety Awareness Month (SAM)"

Alcohol and drug abuse has been identified as the single most destructive health problem in Alaska. Its devastating effects have been felt within every racial, ethnic and economic background.

Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) No. 04 reinforces the intent language of HB 523 which passed last session. SCR No. 4 follows a conventional wisdom to focus on a solution being embraced by thousands of Alaskan citizens. Social norms, such as they are, it helps to know that the state is doing something positive to recognize, reinforce, and appreciate the example people are setting for sobriety: a positive, healthy and productive way of life, free from devastating effects of alcohol and drug abuse.

If SCR No. 04 is passed it will help t highlight and reinforce the socially appropriate behaviors and choices that: a) Improve the quality of life and health of individuals, families and communities; b) Reduce the incidence of alcohol and drug related crimes; c) Reduce the burden on government in having to exhaust its resources and pay for the pervasive problems caused by alcohol and drug abuse.

It seems fitting, too, that if we can nationally name a month after a commodity (alcohol), give it free publicity and attention by focusing on all its problems. Alaska should lead the nation in giving equal time to naming a month after a lifestyle (sobriety: a solution) to focus on all of its benefits.