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.
Did You Know?
- 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. *Binge drinking=drinking more than 4 drinks at one time for women, more than 5 at one time for men
- Adults can be arrested for allowing underage drinking on their property, even if they don’t know about it.
- 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 Awareness Videos
Resources for Parents & Communities
- 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
Support and 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
