This holiday season Oregon Health Authority is urging people in Oregon to pause for a moment, consider the role of alcohol in our lives and communities and ask the question – could we handle our alcohol in healthier ways?
OHA’s Rethink the Drink winter campaign encourages conversation and compassion regarding alcohol consumption. That includes creating healthy environments that support friends and loved ones in their efforts to drink less alcohol. Everyone should be comfortable socializing at festive and celebratory events without feeling pressure to drink alcohol.
Did you know:
More than 2,000 people in Oregon die from alcohol-related causes every year. Excessive alcohol use is the third leading cause of preventable death and disease in Oregon.
In the United States, excessive alcohol use is responsible for an alarming 1 in 5 deaths of people ages 20-49.
Excessive drinking affects the entire community, costing Oregon $4.8 billion per year from lost earnings for workers and revenue for businesses, health care expenses, criminal justice costs and car crashes.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, the Lines for Life Alcohol and Drug Help Line (800-923-4357) is available 24/7. Trained counselors provide compassionate support and referrals to local resources for peer support and treatment.
You can also find treatment and recovery options in your area using the Recovery Network of Oregon search tool.
Find Oregon data, reports and other resources on OHA’s new Excessive Alcohol Use Prevention webpage.
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