Here is a startling statistic for you: nearly 40% of all hospital beds in the United States are filled with individuals with health conditions stemming from alcohol consumption, not counting maternity and intensive care units. Alcoholism is currently the third leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the nation, with 88,000 deaths per year attributed to excessive alcohol use.
Yet, despite its widespread prevalence, alcohol addiction is often both misunderstood and underestimated in its severity. One common misconception, for instance, is that alcoholism is determined by the type or duration of alcohol consumption, when it’s actually characterized by an uncontrollable craving for alcohol and can sometimes manifest itself as ‘cycles of addiction’ that might seem under a person’s control.
The casual way we talk about and portray drinking in the U.S. can mask the fact that alcohol use has enormous consequences on users and their loved ones. And because we don’t always understand how to define alcoholism, we can also miss it when we’re confronted by it. The consequences can be deadly. Health risks associated with long-term alcohol use are extensive, and can run the gamut from neurological disorders like dementia, stroke and neuropathy to increased risk for various cancers, liver diseases and gastrointestinal problems. Other mental and physical health problems include heart attacks, hypertension, unemployment, motor vehicle accidents, catastrophic falls and psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety and suicide. It’s no surprise that so many of those hospital beds have direct links back to alcohol consumption.
Thirty million people, or about one in every 10 adults, face challenges with substance use,
according to the National Council of Alcohol and Drug Dependence. Understanding that people have always needed education about the use and abuse of alcohol, NCADD rolled out its first Alcohol Awareness Month back in April, 1987. For the past 39 years, April has been National Alcohol Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the dangers of alcohol, the mental and physical health risks, and the effects and causes of alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol and young people
Alcohol awareness programming often targets teenagers and college-aged youth, and for good reason. Research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration suggests that adults who take their first drink of alcohol before the age of 15 are 6.5 times more likely to experience an alcohol use disorder than those who don’t drink until the age of 21. Often, alcohol prevention efforts for kids focus on drinking and driving. On April 14. 7 p.m., Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker will speak at the Marblehead Board of Health about underage drinking and social hosting, and will outline the legal ramifications for families when kids get caught drinking.
But underage drinking has many serious long-term health and wellness consequences, as well.
At MCC, we focus our work with teens and families on prevention, education and intervention.
We know that alcohol and drug use are leading contributors to youth crime and suicide. Binge drinking, consuming four or more drinks at a time by females and five or more drinks by males, is a common consumption pattern among underage drinkers and can be a factor in everything from hospitalization for alcohol poisoning to sexual assault. According to Suicide Behavior and Alcohol use, published in 2010, alcohol use may lead to suicide through disinhibition, impulsiveness and impaired judgment. It may also be used as a means to ease the distress associated with committing an act of suicide. Study researchers noted that although they found no direct correlation between youth suicide and alcohol, in 26% of the pediatric cases they studied, alcohol or other drugs were detected post-mortem.
About 5,000,000 youth between the ages of 12 and 20 reported alcohol consumption in the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The good news is that the number of underage drinkers seems to be shrinking. There have been statistically significant decreases, year over year, in reports by underage drinkers of their ‘past month consumption’, ‘binge drinking’ and ‘heavy alcohol consumption.’ Still, alcohol remains the number one substance used by people under age 21, and prom and graduation seasons bring added concerns about students making safe choices around alcohol.
April is the beginning of spring, ushering in nice weather, barbecues and trips to Devereux Beach. As we turn our attention to the beautiful weather, let’s also take a moment to educate ourselves about staying safe around alcohol, and helping those we love to do the same.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, please contact a mental health care provider. If you are in crisis, contact SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support and treatment referrals 24/7, or the Suicide Prevention Helpline at 988, 24/7, in English and Spanish.
Garry Long is a clinician at Marblehead Counseling Center, where he has been practicing for the past four years. He has extensive experience working with elders, adults, couples, teens and families. He was also adjunct faculty of human services at North Shore Community College for 30 years.
10 tips for youth from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
1. Don’t be afraid to say “no”: Don’t let fear of judgment or peer pressure dictate your actions. Saying “no” is your right, regardless of others’ expectations.
2. Connect with positive influences: Surround yourself with friends who share your values and avoid negative peer pressure that may lead to substance use.
3. Build strong relationships: Cultivate open communication with trusted adults who can offer guidance and support as you navigate life’s challenges.
4. Embrace life without substances: Discover the joy of activities that don’t involve alcohol or drugs. Pursue your passions and interests to the fullest.
5. Respect family guidelines: Honor your family’s rules regarding alcohol and drugs to maintain their trust and respect.
6. Educate yourself: Seek reliable information about alcohol and drugs to make informed decisions and dispel common myths.
7. Lead by example: Your actions speak louder than words. Be a positive role model for your peers and younger generations.
8. Plan ahead: Take proactive steps to safeguard your well-being when attending social events. Have a reliable support system in place.
9. Speak up: Advocate for yourself and others by addressing the negative impact of alcohol and drugs on individuals and communities.
10. Seek help when needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug-related issues.
