National Drugs and Alcohol Facts week provides education and awareness of harmful substances to youth in America. In support of alcohol awareness and education week, we encourage you to become knowledgeable of the consequences of alcohol abuse. Share any information you find on social media by using the hashtag #ShatterTheMyths.
Alcohol Facts
Alcohol has many negative impacts when over over-consumed. Excessive drinking can cause severe health consequences. Due to alcohol, some people suffer significant memory loss and can lose their sense of inhibition, causing them to act in unusual ways. Drinking can also cause blurry vision, loss of balance, slurring speech, loss of coordination, and lost control of body movements. Further, frequent drinking can cause aggressive behaviors, such as verbal or physical abuse to oneself or others.
Repeatedly consuming alcohol in excessive amounts can lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD affects roughly 15 million adult Americans and nearly half a million youth between 12 – 17 years old.
Too much alcohol in the bloodstream seriously impacts mental and physical functions. High blood alcohol content can cause severe effects such as difficulty remaining conscious or seizures. Alcohol overdose can lead to life long health complications, or even death.
While under the influence of alcohol, a person’s decision-making skills are compromised, leading to risky or unsafe situations. Some people choose to drive under the influence of alcohol. Driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous risks of overly consuming alcohol and puts multiple people at risk. Driving while under the influence makes roads more dangerous for everyone.
Alcohol’s Impact In Alaska
The consequences of alcohol abuse heavily affects Alaskans. In 2016, 36% of deadly motor vehicle crashes were involving a drunk driver. Nearly 1 out of 4 high school students surveyed in Alaska during 2017 drank an alcoholic beverage within 30 days before the survey. 16% of those students rode in a car driven by an drunk person, and 4% of them drove a vehicle themselves.
If you are a victim of a motor vehicle collision involving a drunk driver, you have legal rights to hold negligent parties accountable.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source: “Health Impacts Of Alcohol Misuse In Alaska” by the State of Alaska Epidemiology
