Erika Emenyonu, MPH
Program Coordinator – Adult Alcohol Prevention
eemenyonu@catalystct.org
203.450.1336
Hi everyone! Welcome to the alcohol prevention page! My name is Erika, and I am a Program Coordinator leading adult alcohol prevention initiative across Southwestern Connecticut. I coordinate trainings, support local prevention councils, and collaborate with community partners to advance evidence-based strategies that reduce alcohol-related harm and promote healthier communities. If you are interested in learning more about alcohol prevention, feel free to contact me or visit here for informational trainings.
You're Not The Only One Cutting Back
Cutting back on alcohol is more common than you think, and choosing to do so is a positive, healthy step.
Tips to cut back:
- Have a few alcohol-free days each week.
- Keep up your water and food intake.
- Limit how much alcohol you keep in the house.
- Change your “after work routine” by finding healthier alternatives.
You’re not alone, and every small step toward cutting back truly matters.
Did you know?
Alcohol is the most frequently used mood-altering substance in the country. Moreover, alcohol use is higher in Southwest CT than in the rest of the state, which is already higher than national rates.
Up to 1 in 10 adults in our region feel a need to cut back on their drinking.
Up to half of high school students in our region drank in the past 30 days.
Binge drinking* is common among teens and young adults — and very dangerous.
Adults can be arrested for allowing underage drinking on their property, even if they don’t know about it.
*Binge drinking is drinking more than 4 drinks at one time for women, more than 5 at one time for men
Want to know more?
Learn about these statistics and more by looking at our 2022 Epidemiological Profile
Videos and Past Trainings
Playlist
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![KC Makes Music and Jordan Meyer - Sober (Voice of an Addict) [Official Music Video]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/o9j03hyUrHA/maxresdefault.jpg "Alcohol 8")
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- Excessive drinking includes binge drinking, heavy drinking, underage drinking, and drinking during pregnancy.
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Excessive drinking on an occasion or over time increases your risk of illness, injury, and chronic disease.
If you or someone you know needs help, please refer to Support and Resources below.
Alcohol Resources
Resources for Parents & Communities
- National Statistics from NIAAA
- The Dangers of Binge Drinking
- Connecticut’s Social Host Law, Underage Drinking, and What It Means For Your Family
- Moms, Stress & Rising Alcohol Use Rates
- Engaging Parents in Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention
- CTSTRONGER: Understanding Alcohol Use: Alcohol Use Disorder | CT Stronger
Support & Resources
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If you or someone you know is concerned about alcohol use, please use this guide through the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism NIAAA for finding and getting help.
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NIAAA: “Rethinking Drinking: Alcohol and Your Health” This website contains background information about drinking patterns and the risk for alcohol use disorder.
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10 Questions To Ask An Alcohol Treatment Program to evaluate the services offered. 24-hour Help Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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Drinking and Your Mind: Information and support to help you understand how alcohol might impact mental health.
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Support with Drinking: Facts and guidance to help you make informed decisions about drinking.
Helpful Websites
- College Drinking: Changing the Culture
College drinking prevention.
Visit Website - Natural High
Drug Prevention and Life Skills To Help Kids Thrive.
Visit Website - National Institute on Drug Abuse
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
Visit Website