Issue of Concern: ALCOHOL

Our Vision:  Responsible use of alcohol by people of legal age.

To Reach Our Vision:

Our youth under age 21 do not drink. Our use of alcohol does not negatively impact our personal relationships or employment. Pregnant women do not drink. We do not drink and drive. Those of us with drinking problems get the help and support we need to change our behavior.

Island County Community Snap Shot:

• 12% of traffic crashes and 50% of traffic fatalities involved alcohol in 1995.2
• 385 arrests were made for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol in 1995.2
• 63% of residents said they consumed at least one drink of alcohol in the last month.(1)
• 6% of residents consumed more than 60 drinks in the last month.(1)
• 15% of residents reported having more than five drinks on an occasion.(1)

What we are doing now:

Mothers Against Drunk Driving mobilizes victims to establish public conviction that impaired driving is unacceptable and criminal in order to change public policy and personal accountability.

• Recovery Center for Alcoholism and Addictions:  Outpatient programs for adults and youth       (360) 679-4525; (360) 221-2522; (360) 629-6180

• Health Education Classes:  All school districts have alcohol prevention education, refusal skills, communication skills, and anger management.

• School Intervention Specialists:   All school districts have specially trained counselors to assist young people with alcohol and drug issues.

• AA and other 12 step programs

• Alcohol Safety School

• Jail Sentences

Conclusions:

• Alcohol use is a problem in Island County.
• We are losing members of our families and other loved ones in alcohol related fatalities.
• We have twice as many chronic drinkers than Washington State as a whole.
• Alcohol is a complex problem requiring community-wide attention.

References:
     1. Behavioral Risk Factor Survey of Island County Adults, 9/96
     2. Washington State Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Report, 1995
     3.Consumption of alcohol shortly before conception or during pregnancy may cause birth defects
             such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effect.

Alcohol Prevention Links:

Prevention Online , from the National Clearing House for Alcohol and Drug Information
Join Together Online, a national resource center and meeting place for communities working to reduce substance abuse (illicit drugs, excessive alcohol & tobacco) and gun violence.
Web of Addictions, dedicated to providing accurate information about alcohol and other drug addictions.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) supports and conducts biomedical and behavioral research on the causes, consequences, treatment, and prevention of alcoholism and alcohol-related problems.