Do you or someone you know struggle with alcohol misuse? Now is the perfect time to get help – Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Do you or someone you know struggle with alcohol misuse? Now is the perfect time to get help Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
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Alcohol Awareness Month: Understanding the Dangers of Alcohol Abuse
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a campaign that was founded in 1987. This month provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on our relationship with alcohol and educate ourselves about the risks associated with alcohol abuse in our daily lives.
Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States. More than half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking, and over 7 million children live in households where at least one parent is dependent on or has abused alcohol.
Talk to Your Kids
Children and teenagers learn behaviors by observing their parents and other adults. As parents, we have the power to shape our child’s attitude towards drinking.
According to our 2023 Healthy Youth Survey:
- 17% of 12th graders drank alcohol in the past 30 days.
- 8% of 10th graders drank alcohol in the past 30 days.
- 45% of 12th graders get their alcohol from home, with or without permission.
- 50% of 10th graders get their alcohol from home, with or without permission.
Starting to drink at a young age can lead to various negative consequences, including school absences, failing grades, poor brain development, social problems, legal trouble, impaired judgment, memory problems, substance misuse, mood changes, stress, and alcohol problems later in life. It is crucial for families to play a significant role in educating children about the dangers of underage drinking, binge drinking, and drunk driving.
Help Spread Awareness
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can have a profound impact on all aspects of one’s life. Long-term alcohol use can cause serious health complications, damage emotional stability, finances, career prospects, and relationships with family, friends, and the community.
Here are some facts about alcohol:
- About 88,000 deaths are attributed to excessive alcohol use every year.
- Alcoholism is the third leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the U.S.
- Excessive alcohol use is responsible for 2.5 million years of potential life lost annually.
- Up to 40% of all hospital beds in the U.S. not being used for births are occupied by patients with health conditions related to alcohol consumption.
Get Help!
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder or if you want to learn more about how to help youth, there are several actions you can take:
- Wear a red ribbon this month to show your support and initiate conversations about alcohol awareness.
- Challenge yourself to go 72 hours without consuming alcohol. This can be an important first step in recognizing the need for help.
- Host an alcohol-free party to promote a healthy and enjoyable social environment.
For more information and resources, please visit the following links:
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | – Percentage of population with alcohol use disorders – Number of deaths attributed to excessive alcohol use |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development | – Percentage of students who have consumed alcohol in the past 30 days – Percentage of students who obtain alcohol from their home with or without permission |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere | – Number of alcohol-related motor-vehicle crashes |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the dangers of alcohol abuse and the impact it can have on individuals’ health and well-being.
SDG 4: Quality Education
The article emphasizes the importance of educating children and teens about the dangers of alcohol and the role of families in shaping their attitudes towards drinking.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article mentions the link between alcohol use and motor-vehicle crashes, highlighting the need to reduce violence and related death rates.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
The article addresses the need to raise awareness about alcohol abuse and its impact on health, indicating a focus on prevention and treatment.
Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles
The article emphasizes the role of education in teaching children and teens about the dangers of underage drinking and promoting sustainable lifestyles.
Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
The article highlights the connection between alcohol use and motor-vehicle crashes, indicating a need to reduce violence-related death rates.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Percentage of population with alcohol use disorders: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.5, which aims to strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including alcohol abuse.
– Number of deaths attributed to excessive alcohol use: This indicator can also be used to measure progress towards Target 3.5, as it reflects the impact of alcohol abuse on health and well-being.
– Percentage of students who have consumed alcohol in the past 30 days: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 4.7, which focuses on educating learners about the dangers of alcohol and promoting sustainable lifestyles.
– Percentage of students who obtain alcohol from their home with or without permission: This indicator is also relevant to Target 4.7, as it reflects the role of families in shaping children’s attitudes towards drinking.
– Number of alcohol-related motor-vehicle crashes: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 16.1, which aims to reduce violence-related death rates.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | – Percentage of population with alcohol use disorders – Number of deaths attributed to excessive alcohol use |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles | – Percentage of students who have consumed alcohol in the past 30 days – Percentage of students who obtain alcohol from their home with or without permission |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere | – Number of alcohol-related motor-vehicle crashes |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: tpchd.org
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