April is Alcohol Awareness Month

Having been raised in Libby, I know firsthand the prevalence of underage drinking in our community. Although a great student with a supportive family, I participated in this activity more than I’d like to admit, or to inform my parents (surprise mom and padre!). Looking back, I can honestly say that every bad decision I have ever made was under the influence of alcohol.

This is a topic that is close to my heart — I have lost friends due to drinking and driving, and I currently see many of my patients, old and young, struggle with this addiction.

Alcohol is the most abused, and commonly used, drug among youth in the United States — more than tobacco and recreational drugs.

Although illegal, people aged 12-to-20 years drink 11 percent of all alcohol consumed in the United States. A recent community health assessment conducted by Montana Public Health found that alcohol abuse is perceived by Lincoln County residents to be the number one health problem in the county; superseding substance abuse, cancer, and asbestos related disease, among others. These facts are alarming! Youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience problems in school, unwanted pregnancy, physical/sexual abuse, and unintentional injuries such as alcohol-related car crashes.

Our community roots are intertwined with the notion that “kids will be kids.” We are aware of the “Senior Keg.” Heck… I even had friends who collected the keg T-shirts attempting to get as many years as possible. I have struggled with my personal feelings on this as I have gotten older and am now raising children of my own. While I will not take a stance on personal choices of families or our youth, I will objectively point out the risks of this practice and the dangerous long term effects.

Long term effects of alcohol can be irreversible. Alcohol causes irritation and inflammation of the mouth, esophagus and stomach. It destroys the lining of the stomach, which prevents absorption of important nutrients. It destroys healthy brain cells and decreases the oxygen supply to the brain, which is why people experience “black outs.” Repetitive black outs have been shown to result in emotional disturbances and mental disorders. Alcohol can also cause irregular heartbeats and is a known risk factor for heart attack and stroke. It can also cause liver damage, which can progress to liver failure.

Because of alcohol:

I have told young women they are pregnant.

I have watched people die due to liver failure.

I have watched people vomit blood to the point of near death from ruptured blood vessels in their throat.

I have watched parents lose children in terrible accidents.

I have watched families fall apart.

People believe this won’t happen to them because, “I only drink on weekends.” However, there is no safe amount of alcohol. This has been proven.

Let’s use this month to raise awareness about alcohol abuse and take action to prevent it — both at home and in our community. Let’s encourage our family and friends to make small changes like keeping track of their drinking and setting limits on drinking. Ask your primary care provider about the benefits of drinking less or quitting.

For additional information and ideas about ways to help, please take time to look at the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It’s never too late to make the healthy choice, and you are never alone.