Welcome to February!
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.
February Awareness Days
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February 1, 2026 - February 28, 2026: Black History Month Celebration
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Febraury 16, 2026 : Presidents Day
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February 26, 2026: National Set a Good Example Day
Black History Month Celebration
February 1, 2026 - February 28, 2026
Black History is celebrated annually in the United States for the entire month of February.
During the month of February, recognition and honor is heavily placed on the 400+ year heritage, advancement, achievements, and history of Black Americans.
Historian Carter G. Woodson initiated “Negro History Week” in 1926 and is recognized as the “Father of Black History.”
In 1976, Black History was officially recognized by the government.
Presidents Day
February 16, 2026
Presidents Day is observed each year on the third Monday of February. Established in 1879, the holiday originally honored George Washington, the first President of the United States.
Over time, it has evolved into a day that recognizes and celebrates the legacy of all U.S. presidents.
National Set a Good Example Day
February 26, 2026
Observed annually on February 26, National Set a Good Example Day was created by The Way to Happiness International to remind us of the power of positive influence.
By choosing to lead with kindness, respect, fairness, and compassion, we can inspire others through our actions and contribute to a more compassionate world.
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.