PRC Resource Link for Community Action’s Post

Panelists outline the importance of covering alcohol like other drugs

This "news story" about alcohol was published in 2015 to highlight the huge discrepancies between how we talk about alcohol versus how we talk about other drugs. The saddest part is that, 9 years later, virtually everything written in the article is still applicable and the possible action steps listed are still being talked about and haven't been taken. The biggest difference? The annual death count due to alcohol is over twice as high: from 88,000 in 2015 to 178,000 today. #alcohol #alcoholawareness #publichealth #publicpolicy https://lnkd.in/gi9KRNX6

#Alcohol is not discussed in the media the same way as other drugs because most of the media outlets are influenced by advertising dollars $$$. Remember the pandemic? We were all stuck within our homes, with schools, businesses, mosques , synagogues and churches closed? Alcohol 🍷 🍺🍸 stores remained opened for business as usual. And #BigAlcohol was the only industry besides #BigPharma and #HealthCare that had the money 💰 to advertise. Let’s be clear, the alcohol industry has influenced our society’s political, social and economic systems - even our health care industry. Sadly, couples who use alcohol without contraception are more likely to have a child with #NDPAE #FASD - mild to moderate learning disabilities, executive functioning issues, #ADHD, social communication difficulties, sensory & motor challenges, and mood dysregulation/autonomic arousal. These problems lead to lifelong mental health disorders and adaptive functioning deficits. Alcohol causes male sperm methylation differences up to 3 months before conception (during spermatogenesis) and as early as the first few weeks of pregnancy (before most pregnancies are diagnosed). Since about 50% of pregnancies are unplanned and 13.5% of women binge drink (4-5 drinks in a sitting), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates between 1 in 20 to 1 in 15 children (approximately 40k new births per year) in “middle America” are affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. This statistic does not account for babies affected by their fathers’ use (#epigenetic effects on sperm DNA).🧬 Why have you not heard about this information in the media? Who funds the media? Advertising. What industry is the biggest advertiser? Big Alcohol. Do the 5th grade math. 🙄 With the doubling of alcohol use disorders in the past year, we will see a larger #epidemic of prenatal (and preconceptional) alcohol exposure. Contracept if you use alcohol (beer, wine, liquor) and avoid any alcohol up to 6 months before stopping your contraceptives, during pregnancy and lactation. https://lnkd.in/exHeNax. https://lnkd.in/ebwijKtw #preconceptionhealth #familyplanning #contraception

Why You Shouldn’t Vape WEED Inhaling THC through vaping poses serious health risks that are often downplayed by proponents of cannabis legalisation. Recent evidence underscores the dangers associated with this method of consumption, making a strong case for stringent preventive measures. Legalising without addressing these risks is both irresponsible and dangerous. #cannabis #VapingExperience is #toxic • Respiratory Damage: • Mental Health Concerns: • Addiction and Behavioural Issues: https://lnkd.in/g3E5Hh53

 the link between alcohol abstinence and cannabis use among young adults. Discover why the role of cannabis as a substitute for alcohol is gaining attention. #AlcoholAbstinence #CannabisSubstitute #YoungAdults Check it out here 👉  https://lnkd.in/eEeZsmvQ

"A new Millennium Health Signals Alert shows that [US alcohol consumption since covid] increased most dramatically among those with alcohol use disorder and has remained elevated; up more than 20% nationally since 2019." https://lnkd.in/d5ipwMsZ Between 2019, before the pandemic, and 2022 there has been a 31.3% rise in alcohol induced deaths in the US to over 51,000, a similar scale of death surge as the UK. It is likely the death toll was heaviest among people who already drank heavily. [State by state figures here https://lnkd.in/dGhWQVSh] AR This massive, unnecessary waste of life has been flagged for years now with governments taking no action to prevent it. Yet otherwise informed people are aghast to be told, as if it were surprising news. [See https://lnkd.in/dA6SDUfu] There seems little sign of a significant slowdown in deaths. Alcohol is, after all, an addictive substance, meaning it is far easier for many vulnerable people's alcohol consumption to go up than to come down. The action needed to help them is long overdue.

Honored to be quoted in this USA TODAY article discussing the intersection of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and their potential impact on alcohol use. As we explore the broader effects of these medications beyond weight loss, it’s crucial to understand how they may influence behaviors such as alcohol consumption. These findings open up new avenues for research and treatment, offering hope for those struggling with alcohol use. I’m excited to see where this conversation leads and how we can better support individuals in their journey toward health and well-being. Thanks to USA Today for highlighting this important topic! #healthcare #addictionrecovery #GLP1 #ozempic #research #wellness 

🔍 Understanding Methamphetamine: Methamphetamine, commonly known as "meth," is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug that poses significant risks. Leaving a dangerous residue to both users and those around them when it is smoked or manufactured. 🚫 **Dangers to Community:** Methamphetamine poses significant hazards to the broader community. The production of meth generates toxic chemicals that persist in a space, resulting in a myriad of detrimental impacts on public health. 💊 **Modes of Administration:** Meth can be consumed in various ways, including smoking, snorting, injecting, or ingesting orally. Each method carries its own risks and potential health consequences. 🔥 **Immediate Effects:** Smoking or injecting methamphetamine can lead to an instant rush, increasing the risk of addiction and causing adverse health effects. Users may experience heightened energy, euphoria, and a sense of invincibility, but these effects are short-lived and often followed by a crash. 💉 **Addictive Nature:** Methamphetamine is highly addictive, affecting the central nervous system and increasing dopamine levels in the brain. These neurotransmitters plays a crucial role in pleasure, motivation, and reward, contributing to the drug's addictive properties. 💊 **Physical Characteristics:** Methamphetamine typically appears as a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. Its appearance and chemical properties make it appealing for illicit production and distribution. By understanding the risks associated with methamphetamine use and production, we can better protect ourselves and our communities. Let's work together to raise awareness, support prevention efforts, and provide resources for those affected by the contaminants of this dangerous drug. #MethAwareness #DrugEducation #CommunityHealth

Is vaping marijuana the same as smoking it? What are the risks associated with each method of use? Read on to learn about the differences between vaping and smoking, as well as the health effects associated with both. https://bit.ly/4alvfO0

Combining Ritalin with alcohol can increase the risk of overdose and severe side effects. Learn why it's crucial to avoid this mix in our latest blog post. https://sbhc.tech/45GmFIl