Alcohol Awareness Month: 4 Facts About Alcohol Abuse In Massachusetts

• What Is Alcohol Awareness Month?
• Alcohol Abuse In Massachusetts
• Alcohol Treatment At Recovering Champions

Alcoholism is a major public health concern in the United States. Even so, there are many myths and misconceptions about this form of substance use disorder. 

This is why the month of April has been declared National Alcohol Awareness Month. By raising awareness about alcohol addiction and treatment, we can better respond to substance abuse.

Read on to learn more about this month of recognition, and how alcohol use disorder impacts the residents of the state of Massachusetts.

What Is Alcohol Awareness Month? 

Championed by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), the goal of this month is to raise public awareness of alcohol use disorder (AUD). 

For many people in Massachusetts, the topic of alcohol abuse hits close to home. An estimated 400,000 Massachusetts residents were found to meet the criteria for having an AUD in 2018. 

Read on to learn about how alcohol substance abuse affects people in the state of Massachusetts. 

4 Facts About Alcohol Abuse In Massachusetts 

Alcohol abuse can present very differently for people. Age, gender, daily consumption rates, and more can play a role in how it affects a person. 

In general, heavy drinking is defined as:

• having more than 3 drinks in one day if you’re an adult woman
• having more than 4 drinks in one day if you’re an adult man

1. Binge Drinking In The State Of Massachusetts 

Binge drinking in Massachusetts and other parts of the country is much more common than many people tend to think. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a binge is drinking enough alcohol in two hours to result in a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more. 

The amount of alcohol required to achieve this BAC is different for everyone and can be affected by gender. For men, this could be five drinks. For women, it might be as little as four.

Throughout the state, as many as a quarter of adults report having engaged in binge drinking in the past month. This is higher than the national average of about 16% of adults. 

Binge drinking might mean that you have an alcohol addiction, but it also might not. If you are unsure, asking yourself questions about your alcohol use could be a great first step. 

2. Massachusetts Rates For Drunk Driving

Excessive drinking can lead to risky behaviors of all kinds, including driving while intoxicated. 

In Massachusetts, the legal BAC to operate a vehicle is 0.08%. Despite this, 2.2% of people in the state report driving after having too much to drink.

From 2003 to 2012, 1,370 people died in Massachusetts because of drunk driving. And in 2019, 57 people were killed by drunk driving accidents on St. Patrick’s Day in Boston alone.

3. Underage Drinking In Massachusetts

The bodies of children and teens are still growing. Exposure to addictive substances like alcohol can lead to impaired brain development for young people, as well as liver or heart disease. 

There are many laws about underage alcohol possession in Massachusetts, but in general, people under 21 consuming alcohol will be fined $50, and up to $150 for any subsequent offenses. 

If you are concerned about a young person in your life, the National Institute On Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism (NIAAA) has strategies on how to limit the use of alcohol in minors. 

4. Options For Massachusetts Alcohol Treatment

As a final fact, there is hope. Recovery is possible regardless of severity. 

There are facilities throughout Massachusetts that provide a wide variety of treatment options for people recovering from alcohol addiction. 

These organizations provide effective substance abuse treatments with many levels of care. 

Massachusetts is home to mental health groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, physical healthcare services, rehab centers, detox facilities, and more. 

Alcohol Treatment At Recovering Champions 

Our staff of well-trained medical providers has helped many people achieve lasting sobriety. 
Whether you are calling on behalf of a friend, a family member, another loved one, or yourself, reach out to our helpline today for assistance with alcohol addiction.