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Health: Substance Abuse Indicator More than 16 percent of DuPage County adults are considered binge drinkers
ABOUT THE INDICATOR Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks on an occasion, one or more times during a single month. This indicator is based on self-reported survey data collected locally, nationally, and at the state level using the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (BRFS). Binge drinking can lead to alcohol addiction and is one indicator of substance abuse levels in the community. However, substance abuse also takes many other forms, including the use of illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and club drugs. We are searching for a reliable source of data on the use of these drugs in DuPage County so that future editions of the Tapestry can more completely capture the problem of substance abuse. OBSERVATIONS The percentage of alcohol drinkers who can be considered binge drinkers is slightly higher in DuPage County than in the state. The percentage has declined, however, since 1996. Based on targets established by Healthy People 2010, the county still needs improvement. Specifically, Healthy People 2010’s objective is to reduce the percentage of binge drinkers aged 18 years and older to less than 6 percent. The actual rate for DuPage County in 2000 was 16.4 percent. TAPESTRYBinge drinking is a national and local problem. It greatly impacts the health of individuals and the health of the community. Binge drinking is often a precursor to alcohol addiction, which can lead to poor mental health, liver disease, and loss of job or wages. Alcohol use and alcohol dependence also are linked to injuries and deaths from motor vehicle crashes and falls. Alcohol use is often a factor in suicide, domestic violence, and child abuse and neglect as well. Unlike other drugs, alcohol—when used responsibly and legally by individuals aged 21 and over—is generally socially acceptable. Unfortunately, more than 80 percent of youths in the United States consume alcohol before their twenty-first birthdays. Experimentation with alcohol and other drugs during adolescence is common, and binge drinking on college campuses has been a problem of special note in recent years. Addressing the problem of binge drinking cannot be accomplished without first changing societal perceptions about what constitutes acceptable behavior for adults and young people. COMMENTARY By, Henry Tews, Serenity House President/CEO “Capacity and awareness are the two issues most critical to the treatment of substance abuse in DuPage County. A wide gap exists between those who seek treatment and the services that are available. Treatment providers and elected officials must work together closely to prevent apathy and increase awareness.” HOW TO GET INVOLVED OR LEARN MORE
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