Welcome to December!
Our website recognizes monthly awareness dates.
We only provide information that is pertinent to addiction, recovery and to the agency's vision and mission statements.
December Awareness Days
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December 1, 2025 : World AIDS Day
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December 7, 2025: National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance
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December 9, 2025: Genocide Prevention Day
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December 10 2025: Human Rights Day
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December 21, 2025: National Homeless Persons' Remembrance Day
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December 24, 2025: Christmas Eve
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December 25, 2025: Christmas Day
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December 31, 2025: New Years Eve
World AIDS Day
December 1, 2025
World AIDS Day is an international observance day that is held annually on December 1st to bring awareness to HIV/AIDS.
This observance day acknowledges and honors those who have lost their lives to the disease and yields support to those living with HIV on a daily basis.
World AIDS Day is also a day used to educate the public on prevention cognizance to the spread of new infections while providing vital services for those affected.
National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance
December 7, 2025
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is observed annually on December 7th to commemorate the anniversary attack of Pearl Harbor that happened in 1941.
The attack on Pearl Harbor took the lives of 2,400 Americans - while more than 1,000 individuals were injured during its surprise attack, which was the central moment that led the United States into World War II.
Genocide Prevention Day
December 9, 2025
Genocide Prevention Day is observed annually on December 9th and is officially the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.
On this day, those who have been victims of past genocides are honored while great emphases are placed on educating the public to prevent future transgressing acts by way of genocide.
Human Rights Day
December 10, 2025
National Human Rights Day is observed annually on December 10th to honor and recognize the United Nations' adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a fundamental document that discloses all human beings are born free and equal in honor, self-worth, and rights.
This day is used to celebrate human rights and the progress that has been made, while also acknowledging challenges that still need to be assessed and addressed.
National Homeless Persons' Remembrance Day
December 21, 2025
National Homeless Persons' Remembrance Day is held annually in December - close to or around the 21st.
National Homeless Persons' Remembrance Day is sponsored by organizations like the National Coalition for the Homeless to honor those who have lost their lives while experiencing homelessness.
On this day, public events such as candlelight marches and vigils are held to bring awareness to this prevalent issue while advocating for solutions in preventing homelessness.
Christmas Eve
December 24, 2025
CAAA Agency will open during normal business hours.
Christmas Day
December 25, 2025
CAAA Agency will be closed for Christmas Day and will reopen on December 26, 2025.
New Years Eve
December 31, 2025
CAAA Agency will be open during normal business hours.
Nicotine Prevention
All tobacco and nicotine products- whether smoked, chewed, or vaped pose serious health risks. While some products may carry relatively lower risks than others, none are safe, and all can contribute to addiction, disease, and long-term health complications. Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant found in tobacco products and most e-cigarettes. It acts on the brain’s reward system, reinforcing repeated use and making cessation difficult.
1. Product-Specific Health Risks
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A. Cigars and Cigarillos
- Contain as much nicotine as cigarettes, sometimes more.
- Produce thicker, more toxic smoke due to fermentation.
- Linked to oral, esophageal, laryngeal, and lung cancers.
- Increase risk of heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Secondhand smoke from cigars is highly toxic.
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B. Chewing Tobacco (Smokeless)
- Includes chew, snuff, and nicotine pouches.
- Causes oral cancers, gum disease, and tooth loss.
- Increase risk of pancreatic cancer and nicotine addiction.
- Delivery high doses of nicotine, often more than cigarettes.
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C. E-Cigarettes, E-Liquid, and Vaping
- Most contain nicotine, even when labeled ·nicotine-free. ·- Aerosol contains:
- Heavy metals (nickel, tin, lead)
- Volatile organic compounds
- Cancer-causing chemicals
- Diacetyl, linked to ·popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans)- Associated with:
- Lung injury (EVALI)
- Nicotine poisoning, especially in children - Battery explosions and burns
- May be less harmful than cigarettes if used exclusively by adults trying to quit smoking but not safe.
2. Impact on Recovery and Mental
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Health - Nicotine addiction can:
- Undermine recovery from other substance use disorders.
- Increase anxiety, depression, and stress.
- Impair cognitive function and emotional regulation.
- Dual use (e.g., vaping and smoking) increases exposure to toxins and worsens respiratory outcomes.
- Withdrawal symptoms irritability, cravings, insomnia can interfere with therapy and recovery goals.
3. Long-Term Health Consequences
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- Cancer: Oral, lung, throat, pancreatic, and esophageal.
- Cardiovascular disease: Heart attack, stroke, hypertension.
- Respiratory illness: COPD, asthma exacerbation, chronic bronchitis.
- Reproductive harm: Low birth weight, preterm birth, fetal brain damage. - Cognitive decline: Especially with early or prolonged use.
NOTICE
Communication media utilized by Community Action Against Addiction is for information exchange between members of the community, whether client or staff.
These accounts are staffed and monitored by non-service staff.
It is expected that all participants will maintain a level of courtesy owed to all parties.