dangers of alcohol abuse, campaigners warned yesterday.

Politicians joined health activists and school students at City Hall for the launch of the Island's first Alcohol Awareness Month.

The Centre for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (CADA) organised the initiative, supported by the National Drugs Commission (NDC), Government and the Opposition United Bermuda Party.

CADA executive director Dominique Smith said it was time to address the taboo subject of alcohol abuse.

She said young people faced a multitude of possible dangers if they drink, which could include driving under the influence, drowning, engaging in unsafe sex or having school problems.

People drinking are also more likely to be the victims of violent crime.

It was essential for children to have positive role models so they will develop responsible attitudes toward alcohol, she said.

CADA is organising a parenting empowerment workshop and a family discussion on drinking to raise awareness. And a number of schools have requested a tour of the CADA centre.

Ms Smith said yesterday: "This is the first Alcohol Awareness Month in Bermuda. We plan to do it annually and hopefully it will grow to be a bigger event.

"We want to educate the public and raise the awareness of everyone about the dangers of young people driving while under the influence.

"At the end of the day we need to look at it from the perspective of a health issue. Alcoholism is alive and well in this community and only now are we really paying attention to it as a health issue.

"It is always sort of brushed under the carpet because it is a taboo thing that no one wants to talk about.

"People say there is no alcoholism in their family, but there is alcoholism in families across the board, regardless of colour.'' CADA hopes to expand the Bermuda Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service (BRASS) project later this year.

The Fairmont Southampton Princess and Flanagan's Irish Pub and Restaurant are involved in the pilot BRASS scheme to educate young people about alcohol use and reduce drink driving.

After Education Minister Milton Scott read out the proclamation for Alcohol Awareness Month, NDC chairman Malcolm Butterfield said alcohol was the number one drug of choice among adults in Bermuda.

He said the NDC will soon complete a comprehensive policy on alcohol use which it will present to Government.

Students from the Parent Resource Institute for Drug Education (PRIDE) and West Pembroke Primary pupils entertained the audience about alcohol and drug awareness.