News from the Noteworthy from LEAF

Channeling the Secret Strength of Children

Every April, LEAF recognizes Alcohol Awareness Month in the hope of preventing misuse, decreasing stigma, and increasing community recognition and understanding of alcohol dependence and addiction.

Unfortunately, the adverse effects of alcohol misuse impact the lives of many in this community and in this country. It is difficult to find a person who has not been affected by alcohol addiction either directly (themselves) or indirectly (through relationships with family, friends, coworkers and community members). We must take the time to acknowledge those we have lost, support those who are struggling and raise awareness to prevent future misuse.

LEAF has been honored to serve Otsego County since 1982 and Chenango County since 2021. Our mission is:

• To prevent addictions and the risks that come with them.
• To educate the community about the harm of alcohol and other substances.
• To increase awareness among leaders, educators, health professionals, and the media about the disease of addiction and its medical and social complications.
• And to encourage proper diagnosis, treatment, and care for individuals and families dealing with addiction or substance use.

Our prevention educators teach hundreds of local K-12 students each year. The evidence-based programs implemented help students recognize healthy alternatives to substance use. We hear a range of answers when we ask students what healthy hobbies they enjoy; examples include participating in sports, playing instruments, listening to music, drawing, painting, reading, playing games, learning new skills and facts, going places, watching movies, eating out at restaurants, playing with pets, etc. This exercise can take entire class periods, as the students enthusiastically list off all of their favorite activities. I’ve filled 10-foot whiteboards, writing down every last healthy hobby offered.

Adults can learn a lot about having healthy fun from children. Although children have few resources, they still manage to entertain themselves happily. Through my time in the classroom, I have learned their secret strengths: creativity, laughter and the ability to be silly. Adults use alcohol in the hopes of regaining their childhood silliness and laughter, but they lack the key ingredient of creativity.

When was the last time you played like a child plays, or viewed your environment with fresh eyes? Instead of buying something that makes you feel good, do something that makes you feel good. If you struggle with what to do, I suggest you ask a child or teen in your life. They will not disappoint.

Please check out our Facebook page and website for more information about our school and community-based services: https://www.facebook.com/LEAFinc and https://leafinc.org/.

Tessa Davidson, MPH, is the executive director of LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions.