The Sober Truth: Alcohol Kills More People Than Drugs Do
The world has a growing problem with drug addiction, but the opioid overdose crisis has diverted focus away from the country’s hangover.
It’s time to pay attention to this long-overlooked issue.
According to preliminary data issued in July by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug overdose deaths in 2020 will increase by about 33 percent to 95,000.
However, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that nearly 100,000 individuals die each year from alcohol-related causes (NIAAA). In the United States, alcohol is the third most preventable cause of mortality.
As we mark National Recovery Month during September, it is critical to highlight the breadth of America’s alcohol addiction and assist people suffering from an alcohol use disorder. The health of our people is at stake, sadly, far too many are being killed by the narcissistic alcohol industry.
Americans are far too reliant on alcohol.
It’s no surprise that individuals desire to drown their sorrows. The pandemic has decimated many families. It caused a great deal of worry and economic instability. It instilled widespread anxiety, anguish, and unnecessary political squabbles. The delta variation appeared when we believed we had a grip on COVID-19.
According to a countrywide poll commissioned by the American Psychological Association in February, roughly one-quarter of Americans reported drinking more this past year to cope with stress.
According to a new study financed by the NIAAA and conducted by the nonprofit research agency RTI International, general alcohol consumption grew by 39% from February 2020 to November.
Binging on alcohol has also increased by nearly 40% during the same period.
According to the NIAAA, more than 15 million persons aged 18 and older had an alcohol use disorder in the last year.
The Big Problem
Here’s the problem: we’ve normalized drinking. We find plenty of opportunities to have a cold one at happy hours, cookouts, weddings, birthday parties, baseball games, and tailgating, to mention a few.
Do you use narcotics? You are dealing with a substance abuse problem. Do you consume an excessive amount of alcohol?
However, alcoholism poses a more pernicious threat to our health, families, and livelihoods than we are ready to accept. It’s an even more significant threat for women and minorities.
According to the RTI International survey, women with children under the age of five experienced the most significant increases in average consumption (325 percent), followed by Black women (175 percent), Black males (174 percent), and Hispanic women (172 percent).
America, it’s time to wake up.
Sadly, alcohol use disorder is a controversial topic in the United States. Drinking is still socially tolerated, and alcohol is readily available. Alcohol is nearly impossible to avoid due to its broad availability and excellent marketing. Consumers must continuously resist the impulse — let alone the expectation – to raise a glass.
This is America, the home of Hollywood and the American dream, it’s so easy to ignore what’s going on with alcoholism. Furthermore, deadly opioids such as fentanyl draw the attention of public health professionals.
Alcohol is just as deadly. It’s simply permitted, widespread, and socially acceptable.
The story is dominated by alcohol marketers. Good luck persuading customers to cut back on their alcohol use without coming across as reactionary.
It’s difficult to shift the narrative, but far too many Americans are dying from alcoholism. America, it’s time to wake up.
Ready To Get Help
Take action and avoid becoming the next sad statistic. Grab your slot on our next free quit drinking webinar.
