The Ongoing Risks of Alcohol Consumption

As we ring in the new year, many individuals choose to participate in ?Dry January,? a month-long break from alcohol. This initiative offers people a chance to prioritize health and to reflect on the role alcohol plays in their lives. That said, while Dry January can be a positive step in the right direction, it?s critical to consider the impacts of alcohol year round? not just in January. In Milford, alcohol is the most commonly used substance among our youth. This highlights the need for community members and parents to educate themselves on the negative effects of alcohol, and the resources available to support prevention and healthy choices.

Alcohol has a wide range of adverse effects on health. Consumption of any alcoholic beverage, including wine and beer, is linked with a higher risk of cancer, with even minimal use contributing to elevated rates. In fact, according to the CDC, over 20,000 individuals die from alcohol-related cancers each year in the United States. Beyond its link to cancer, alcohol use can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive issues. In addition to these significant physical impacts, alcohol can also take a toll on mental health. Alcohol can both cause and contribute to depression, anxiety, learning issues, and overall relationship problems.

Alcohol poses unique risks for children and adolescents, as their bodies and brains are still developing. Since the human brain is not fully developed until age 25, alcohol use during this critical period can interfere with brain development. This can manifest in several ways, including long-term challenges with memory, learning, and decision making, as well as an increased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors. Additionally, early usage of alcohol increases the potential for developing an alcohol dependency later in life. For these reasons, it?s critical to prevent underage drinking in our community and to model healthy behaviors.

Because of these risks, Milford Prevention Council offers several resources to educate the community. Each year, MPC partners with the Milford Police Department to host the Retail Liquor Forum, a vital educational event aimed at empowering our community. This forum provides an opportunity to stay informed about current trends, issues, and laws as it relates to alcohol in Connecticut. Representatives from establishments that sell or serve alcohol are encouraged to attend, as topics such as trends in fake IDs and compliance issues from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division will be discussed. Please stay tuned for details on this year?s date and location.

Additionally, Milford Prevention Council offers alcohol strip labels that go over the tops of alcohol bottles. These labels serve as a tamper-evident measure: if the label is torn, it indicates the bottle has been opened. MPC also has other educational resources, including information regarding the ?Power of Parents? program by MADD, which empowers parents to have ongoing conversations with their children about alcohol use. For more information or inquiries, please contact info@milfordprevention.org or visit milfordprevention.org.

References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, January 13). Alcohol and cancer risk. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/risk-factors/alcohol.html#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20about%2020%2C000%20adults,instead%20of%20drinking%20above%20them.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Alcohol and the adolescent brain. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/alcohol-and-adolescent-brain
University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). Breast cancer risk factors. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?ContentID=3051&ContentTypeID=1