April is Alcohol Awareness Month! This is an opportunity to update your knowledge about alcohol use disorder (AUD) and explore the impact of alcohol misuse on health and society.
What is alcohol use disorder?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. Considered a brain disorder, AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe. (NIH)
- Nearly 30% of high schoolers in Addison County reported alcohol use in the past 30 days, and
- 11% reported binge drinking in the past 30 days
- 4% of Vermonters aged 12-17 had an alcohol use disorder in 2020
- National data shows that Vermonters in all age groups drink alcohol at higher rates compared to the country overall
- Research shows that people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21.
Check out Facts About Teen Drinking, a resource for teens created by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, with research-based information on underage drinking.
Help is available
- VT Helplink alcohol and drug support center provides information, support, and referrals for substance use treatment, recovery, and harm-reduction services in VT.
- ParentUp provides tips for parents and caregivers about talking with their kids about alcohol and cannabis.
- Alcohol Screening provides help to assess alcohol use behaviors and health risks.
Sign up for the Addison County Substance Use and Prevention Coalition newsletter to stay updated on how we address substance misuse in our community!
