August 23, 2018 - We see on the television and read in the newspaper how drug overdose deaths are increasing at a rapid rate. Opioid and Fentanyl are being discussed throughout the nation in businesses and homes. With great concern, we talk about the ease of encountering fentanyl and how different illicit drugs are being laced with all types of chemicals. However, according to the Center of Disease Control, the number of opioid related overdose deaths in 2016 were about 42,000, but the number of alcohol related deaths per year is about 88,000. So, why is it alcohol is not making the headlines?
Having an alcoholic beverage is glamorized in movies, magazines, tv shows, children’s animated movies, advertisements, and many other outlets as a social norm. Binge drinking at parties is seen as a “rite of passage” at different events and occasions. Alcohol abuse is still an issue for our nation, but also for our region. In this year’s regional needs assessment, it states that all grades 7th through 12th were above the state average for current alcohol use in regions 4 & 5 in 2016. To further illustrate, this means while 28.6% of the state’s 7th- 12th graders are currently consuming alcohol, regions 4 & 5 had 32.3% of 7th-12th graders are participating in underage drinking. Let’s keep alcohol awareness a discussion in homes, schools, and business. Education is key to preventing the abuse of alcohol, and maybe one day, the 88,000 lives lost per year will dramatically decrease and less goodbyes will be said. For more information, contact the Region 5 Prevention Resource Center at 1-844-772-3483.
Kyeisha Foreman, Community Liaison
Region 5 Prevention Resource Center
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas
Serving Angelina, Hardin, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, and Tyler counties.
