In July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released preliminary statistics which show that last year drug overdose deaths increased significantly, reaching 93,000. The opioid epidemic seems to be getting worse with each passing day, which is why it’s surprising to learn that alcohol kills more individuals in America than drug overdoses do.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that about 95,000 individuals succumb to alcohol-related causes every year.
Given that September was national recovery month, the time is ripe to evaluate and recognize the extent of the country’s alcohol dependence and highlight ways to help those suffering from alcohol use disorder.
A countrywide survey commissioned by the American Psychological Association at the start of the year found that one in every four adults drunk more in the past year as a way to manage stress. A separate study that was conducted by the not-for-profit research institute RTI International also found that between February and November 2020, the general alcohol consumption grew by almost 40%, with binge drinking also growing by 30% within the same time frame.
The study, which was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, also found that the highest increases in average consumption of alcohol were observed among women who had children aged five and below, Hispanic women, Black men and Black women. The percentage increases for these groups were found to be 323%, 148%, 173% and 173% respectively. Data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism also shows that in 2019, more than 14 million individuals aged 18 and above suffered from alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol’s widespread availability and its accessibility makes it almost impossible to avoid. However, the clever marketing strategies of alcoholic beverage companies shouldn’t blind us to the fact that this beverage is no less dangerous than opioids such as fentanyl, it is just more socially acceptable and allowed.
Various resources exist that can help individuals with alcohol use disorder, most of which can be found with a simple online search. Examples include:
- www.Responsibility.org, which offers awareness and information focused on eliminating drunken driving.
- Rethinking Drinking, a free website by the NIAAA that can enable people find support groups, therapists, doctors and other ways to obtain treatment for a drinking problem.
The attention of public health officials, the media and the public should remain focused on the opioid epidemic but should also include alcohol use disorder. By raising awareness, we will help save more lives from this preventable cause of death.
Many companies, including Cybin Inc. (NYSE American: CYBN) (NEO: CYBN), are conducting research to develop effective remedies to deal with alcohol use disorder. These psychedelic-based medicines could flip the switch on the contemporary management of AUD.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Cybin Inc. (NEO: CYBN) (NYSE American: CYBN) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CYBN
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