Austin drug and alcohol retreat center, Any Length Retreat, celebrates its 12th anniversary by hosting an outdoor comedy event for the general public to raise addiction awareness

On April 26th, during National Alcohol Awareness Month in 2024, Any Length Retreat in Pflugerville, Texas, will host an interactive outdoor festival called Any Length Fest to raise awareness about substance use disorders. This event will serve as a platform for raising awareness and as an occasion to celebrate the twelfth anniversary of Any Length Retreat. Friday night will have a recovery Comedy Show, and Saturday will feature a festival with food and non-alcoholic beverages. In addition, the main grounds will feature local businesses, vendors from the Greater Austin area, and even a petting zoo for the little ones.

Any Length Retreat expresses profound gratitude for the ongoing support from alums and the community throughout these challenging times. Both days are open to the general public and communities surrounding Austin, so feel free to join and show your support. In addition, be sure to invite your friends, family, and lovers of comedy and good outdoor celebrations.    

In 2024, our nation is still grappling with a significant addiction crisis, which has become even more urgent and complex. While the opioid epidemic continues to capture headlines, other substances and factors are contributing to this ongoing challenge.

The opioid crisis remains a pressing concern, with opiate-related deaths continuing to rise. In 2020, a shocking 81,000 Americans lost their lives due to opioid-related issues. In 2021, the issue of alcohol-related fatalities on the road remains a concern, with 13,384 deaths attributed to alcohol-impaired driving, representing 31% of overall driving fatalities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on mental health and exacerbated substance use disorders. The pandemic effectively created a crisis within a crisis, as individuals struggled with addiction amid isolation and uncertainty. Unfortunately, access to addiction treatment became even scarcer as many treatment centers were forced to close their doors, either temporarily or permanently.

This event continues to signify a crucial step in acknowledging and addressing the ongoing addiction crisis, underlining the significance of support and awareness in combating this pressing issue in the year 2024.