For those who like to have a social drink, or two, or a few, or a bunch, let’s pause on the first one and read on for some good information.
The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (niaaa.nih.gov) guidelines state that for anyone over 65, who do not take medication, should limit their alcohol consumption to seven drinks per week. In addition, they should not consume more than three drinks per day. If you take medications and/or have depressive symptoms, then you’ll want to lessen your drinking. Binge drinking is defined as 4 or more drinks for women on one occasion and 5 or more drinks for men on one occasion. 28% of Brown County resident are identified as “binge drinkers.”
Drinking alcohol can also lead to an increase in falls, and possible cognitive impairment. We know Wisconsin has a culture of drinking, but when gathering with family or at a party, try to be more vigilant about how many drinks you’re having. Please use a designated driver or call a family member to drive you home if you’ve been drinking. Rideshares are also easy modes of transportation to get you home. If you are at the bar, the ride home is FREE with the SafeRide program, all you have to do is ask the bartender to call you a ride home. That’s it, it’s super easy.
There is another alternative to drinking during the holidays, and that is to be sober. Sober Green Bay is a campaign to normalize sobriety in our heavy drinking culture. It is put on by the Brown County Alcohol and Drug Coalition for Change, ADRC, Brown County Treatment Center, and the Brown County Health Department. It is okay to be sober in Green Bay. There are many people who choose to be sober for a variety of reasons: lifestyle, religion, and/or are in recovery.
ADRC has wonderful resources if any family member needs help with their alcohol consumption. Beginning the Journey breaks down all of the jargon of recovery and can inform you what type of treatment may suit your needs as well as how to pay for it. Getting Help – AODA Treatment Providers is a comprehensive list of AODA (Alcohol and Other Drugs Abuse) counseling agencies in Brown County. These resources can be accessed in a multitude of ways. They can be found on the ADRC website in the Resource Library under “AODA.” On the Brown County website, click on “Services,” and scroll down to “Sober Green Bay.”
If you have additional questions or are looking for more information regarding AODA resources, please contact ADRC at (920) 448-4300. When you’re out and about, look for the Sober Green Bay Yellow Balloon sticker to know which establishments have Sober Green Bay cards which have a QR code that takes you right to the Sober Green Bay page.
‘Tis the season to be Jolly, Healthy, and SAFE!
