September is an important month for babies and children affected with fetal alcohol syndrome. On September 9th, 2020, once again, people will recognize and observe this day to bring awareness to those born with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). All around the world, there will be various activities taking place to shed light on this preventable and tragic condition. What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day, or what takes place on that day? Let’s take a closer look at its history and activities.

What Is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a congenital disability, which is very common in the United States. With the rise in alcohol addiction, so rises the number of those affected in birth by this problem. Every year thousands of babies are born with this condition.

Some children have more severe symptoms than others since the condition is on a spectrum. Some of the symptoms include:

• Distinctive facial features, including small eyes and a very thin upper lip
• Deformities of joints, limbs, and fingers
• Slow growth
• Vision or hearing problems
• Heart defects
• Kidney issues
• Learning disorders
• Impulse control problems

What Is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day?

The first time Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day (FASD ) was observed was on September 9th, 1999. The reason for selecting the ninth month and the ninth day is to symbolize the woman’s nine months of pregnancy.

FASD is an important time to remind women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant that even one drink can be harmful to the growing child within them. During this day, clinics and businesses spread the word concerning alcohol addiction, letting women and their families know about the symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome. This helps them to, hopefully, make the best choice.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides free brochures, fact sheets, and other educational material for you to have. You can use it to educate yourself or pass on to others.

Another thing that occurs on this day is at 9:09 a.m. when people ring bells all across the globe. This is to signal a reminder message that women are safer when they abstain from all drinking during pregnancy.

How You Can Participate

You can get involved by sharing information with others about this problem. Let those close to you know that alcohol addiction treatment is available if they are concerned about drinking. Be supportive by offering to help them get started in a program if needed.

You can also send information to others who may benefit from a deeper understanding of this condition.

Find Support for Alcohol Addiction at Northern Illinois Recovery Center

At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, we provide an alcohol addiction treatment program for those who are struggling with alcohol. Our compassionate therapists will guide you through the recovery process so that you can have a healthy future. Take the first step in being proactive about your life and seek the proper treatment. Whether you have been drinking a long time or have just started, you can overcome this with the aid of our expert staff.

We use evidence-based therapy programs that will get you on the road to recovery. Some of these programs include:

• PTSD therapy treatment program
• Family therapy program
• Depression therapy treatment program
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment program
• Holistic therapy treatment program
• Dialectical behavior therapy treatment program

Don’t let alcohol addiction harm you or your future family. You can achieve hope and happiness. Now that you know more about fetal alcohol syndrome awareness day join us for the help you need. Contact Northern Illinois Recovery Center at 855.786.1978, and we’ll walk beside you every step of the way.