Alcohol attitudes begin in the home
North County Times
Spring is here. As we prepare to clean off the barbecue, dig out the sports equipment, and tend to the garden, it is also a good time to do some "spring cleaning" of our relationship with alcohol. Perhaps this is why the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) has observed April as "Alcohol Awareness Month" for many years.
Many people acknowledge that drinking and driving often results in tragic consequences, and that alcoholics are in need of treatment. As we laugh at the latest beer ads and look forward to a night on the town, however, it is harder for us admit that alcohol may have a negative effect on our own lives. But light to moderate drinkers (those who do not fit the definition of alcoholism, but who periodically overindulge) cause more than half of all alcohol-related problems, including traffic crashes, domestic violence, vandalism, chronic illness, and sexual assault.
Moderate drinking, as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is no more than two drinks per day for a man and no more than one drink per day for a woman. Before someone orders a 32-ounce "happy hour" margarita or picks up a 40-ounce bottle of beer for their "one drink," they should also know that "one drink" means 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 1/2 ounces liquor (with slight variations due to alcohol content).
Recognizing the need for prevention, Alcohol Awareness Month has focused on the problem of underage drinking for several years. With a cost of more than $6.5 billion in California alone, underage drinking is a problem for us all. Here in San Diego County, Operation Safeguard was kicked off on March 1, 2001 and represents a two-month effort to increase enforcement of underage drinking laws. Law enforcement and prevention professionals know, however, that making more arrests will not solve the problem. The solution will come when more people recognize that underage drinking is a problem and do something about it.
Doing something starts at home, especially if you live with people under age 21. Evaluate the role alcohol plays in your life, and how you portray that to kids. Do you "need" a drink to relax or have fun? Do you encourage guests to have more to drink? Do you allow underage drinking, thinking it's under your control? Do you ask kids to bring you a drink or to serve alcohol at your parties? Though they may never admit it, kids are greatly influenced by the actions of adults in their lives.
The Tri-City Prevention Collaborative is working to reduce the harm of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs in the cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Vista. For information on its programs and events, call (760) 757-8211.
Erica Leary has a master's degree in public health from San Diego State University and is a prevention specialist with the Tri-City Prevention Collaborative and the Vista Community Clinic.