Within days people in the County will usher in the holidays and celebrate the New Year. Many people will lift a glass or two of alcohol to mark these occasions.
A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine last month examined alcohol use. Researchers examined responses from a nationwide study conducted between 2018 and 2022. More than 20,000 people were surveyed each year. The study found that alcohol use grew when the pandemic hit in 2020 and continued to escalate in the years after.
New Trend
Nancy Montier is the clinical manager of the Chemical Dependency Department at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville. While the study only collected data through 2022, Montier said the increase in alcohol use still exists today. She said during the pandemic, people turned to alcohol as a source of comfort to deal with stress during an uncertain time. People suffered job loss, lost loved ones to Covid-19, and the disease turned many people’s lives upside down.
“You’re still seeing this trend today. Sometimes when people pick up a habit or they find that they feel some type of relief from using the substance they want to continue. They haven’t looked for alternatives to lower their stress and anxiety,” Montier said.
She said her department is seeing more people who have an alcohol use disorder seeking treatment.
“More people also are coming to the Emergency Department because of symptoms of alcohol use, tremors, blackouts, and people losing consciousness,” Montier said.
Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis said so far in 2024, Montgomery County has seen an 18% decrease in alcohol related deaths compared to last year. However alcohol is still involved in 45% of all deadly overdoses in the County. Statewide, that figure only stands at 17%.
More Women are Drinking
The study also found more women are drinking. Davis said while she does not have specific numbers for the County, there are indications across the state and the country that women are drinking more alcohol since 2020. She also indicated a spike in binge drinking among women.
Montier said Adventist HealthCare is seeing an increase in women patients with alcohol use issues.
“About six years ago, I used to run a treatment program for people who were charged with DUI or DWI and it was about 90% men. Every once in a while a woman was in the program. But today, in our treatment program it is about 50% men, and 50% women,” Montier explained.
Alcohol’s Impact on Physical Health
Davis and Montier said alcohol can have both short and long term consequences on a person’s physical health.
“Short term we see signs of intoxication that include impaired coordination and judgment, nausea and vomiting, dehydration, blackouts, memory loss, and increased risk of injuries because of falls, and drunk driving,” Davis said.
“We know that exposure to alcohol during pregnancy is harmful for both the mother and the baby and can result in fetal alcohol disorders,” Davis added.
“Alcohol can affect every organ in the body. It has long-term effects on appetite. People can either gain or lose weight. People often have trouble sleeping or experience an overall feeling of fatigue. Then we get into kidney problems. Alcohol does impact a person’s heart rate, blood pressure, and can trigger liver disease especially for people who drink a lot over a long period of time. They can acquire some of these problems,” Montier said.
Heavy alcohol use also can trigger memory loss and even dementia. Recent studies also show a link between alcohol use and breast cancer.
Different Views on Alcohol
While some studies show long-term alcohol use can have harmful effects on a person’s body, other studies are not as definitive. Past research has touted the benefits of drinking a glass of red wine a day.
“Well you know, experts don’t agree. Depending on what study you look at, they can cite different information and evidence for and against the benefits of drinking alcohol. A lot depends on the individual’s health and the patient’s family history, and any medications he or she may be taking,” Montier said.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend no more than an average of 1 drink a day for women and 2 drinks a day for men. Binge drinking is more than 5 drinks for men or more than 4 drinks for women in a two hour period. There is clear evidence that drinking above these amounts can be harmful. Additionally, there is increasing evidence that there is no amount of alcohol that is healthy. There are several studies that show those who abstain from alcohol live longer, healthier lives compared to heavy or even moderate drinkers,” Davis said.
Holiday Celebrations
Many people will attend holiday parties in the coming days.
“As we celebrate the holiday season, I urge everyone to drink responsibly and prioritize their health and safety,” Davis said. “Excessive alcohol consumption can have serious consequences, stay mindful and support one another in making healthy choices,” Davis added.
Montier said often times people at parties feel pressure to drink.
“I always encourage people to have a plan. If you know you are at risk for binge drinking during the holidays or you already know you have a drinking problem or you are in recovery, have a plan. Is there anyone in your support system who can go along with you and help run interference? Can you signal to a friend that the temptation is getting too much and maybe it is time to leave?” Montier suggested.
Treatment Options
Treatments are available for people who have an alcohol use problem. Montier said there are three main levels of treatment. The first level addresses people whose lives have become unmanageable. These patients are at risk of drinking and driving or harming themselves. People in this situation would be offered a 28 to 30 day inpatient treatment program. People would live at the treatment facility for about a month to establish some structure and to initiate sobriety.
The next level down is offered at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. It is an intensive outpatient treatment program.
“The program is designed for people who we feel can be safe in the community. We meet about three times a week. This program allows someone to continue on with his or her normal life while getting treatment at the same time,” Montier explained.
The next level is a structured outpatient program at Adventist HealthCare. Patients enrolled in this program meet twice a week. Montier said these patients often realize that drinking has become a problem in their lives and they want help.
If people are in need of treatment, one option is to contact Adventist HealthCare at the following link:
https://www.adventisthealthcare.com/services/mental-health/substance-abuse-treatment/
SoberRide Offers Transportation During the Holidays
Meantime, people who have had too much to drink during the holiday period, and need a ride home, can reach out to SoberRide from now until Jan. 1. People can request a free Lyft ride home up to $15 as long as they enter a valid code. Availability is limited.
Contact www.SoberRide.com for more information.
