This is an opinion column.
While opioids, stimulants and cannabis often dominate headlines and public concern, alcohol misuse remains an epidemic hiding in plain sight.
Overshadowed by other substances and overlooked due to its social acceptance, alcohol continues to have a widespread and often underestimated impact on individuals, families and communities. April’s observance of Alcohol Awareness Month is a critical time to bring this persistent issue back into focus.
Each year there are more than 178,000 deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use, making alcohol one of the leading preventable causes of death in the United States, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Locally, alcohol use (or misuse) is reported by many in Franklin County as a major issue. In the 2024 Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) Community Needs Assessment, 45% of respondents to a representative survey said alcohol was the biggest substance use issue in the community, followed by opioids (20%).
Franklin County residents interviewed for the community needs assessment also noted that those in environments where substance use is normalized may not always recognize the need for alcohol treatment.
A few warning signs someone’s alcohol use may be transitioning from social drinking to problematic include:
- Appearing more anxious, irritable and angry
- Experiencing problems with school or work responsibilities
- Reducing or stopping other enjoyable activities or hobbies
Alcohol consumption is widely seen as a socially acceptable pastime in our society and is frequently showcased in advertising, social media and entertainment, often in a positive light that promotes consumption. In 2023, 84.9% of people in the U.S. ages 18 and older reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Additionally, alcohol misuse is frequently linked to mental health conditions, as individuals may use alcohol to cope with anxiety, trauma or other emotional struggles, often leading to compounding negative health outcomes.
Understanding this connection is key, not only to supporting a loved one who may be struggling with alcohol misuse, but also to recognizing when help may be needed to address both the alcohol use and the underlying mental health challenges.
There are many ways friends and family members can help someone they believe may be struggling with alcohol misuse:
- As your loved one makes an effort to address their drinking, keep open lines of communication and be supportive
- Express genuine concern for the person’s well-being
- Remember that changing long-standing patterns is hard, takes time and requires repeated efforts, so be patient with your loved one
If you or someone you love is struggling or in a crisis, call, text or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.