Alcohol abuse is growing | News, Sports, Jobs - Marietta Times newslink MARIETTA TIMES × News Local News Neighborhood News Business Entertainment Ohio News West Virginia News National News International News Religion News of Record Sports Local Sports Sports Columns Ohio Sports West Virginia Sports National Sports Opinion Local Columns Editorials Letters to the Editor Life Engagements Anniversaries Features Local Columns Weddings Coronavirus Obituaries Jobs Homes Classifieds Garage Sales Contact Information Contact Us Subscribe Advertise Terms of Service Submit News Public Notices Browse notices Place a notice Facebook Twitter News Sports Opinion Life Obituaries Jobs Homes Classifieds Place Notice SUBSCRIBE January 16, 2022 | Today's Paper | Submit News | Subscribe Today | ... Today's Paper | Subscribe Today | ... Alcohol abuse is growing Editorials Oct 12, 2021 When Ohioans think about the substance abuse epidemic, they are likely thinking about opioids or methamphetamine. But there is another, much more common substance affecting Buckeye State residents — increasingly so as depression and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led some to attempt self-medication. Alcohol abuse — we’re not talking about a drink or two on social occasions, or a glass of wine with dinner, here — is hitting alarming rates in Ohio. In fact, a survey commissioned by AlcoholRehab.com showed 16% of those surveyed in the state considered themselves to be blackout drinkers. The national average is 13%. “Most of us like to have a few drinks on occasion for many reasons — to loosen up, forget the work week, or perhaps to celebrate something with friends and family. But some people go too far and drink until they ‘blackout.’ It’s an extreme form of drinking that can affect people from all walks of life,” AlcoholRehab said in a news release. Other findings of the survey included 9% who do not believe drinking until they pass out is detrimental to their health; 5% who deliberately set out to get so drunk they pass out at the end of every night and 16% who said they do not know their limits when it comes to alcohol. It’s a problem worth talking about just as much as some of the more headline-grabbing challenges faced by our state. Among the solutions must be an end to glorifying binge and blackout drinking, and the idea that it is harmless partying. Meanwhile, better mental health options must be available to those who feel drowning their complex emotions in alcohol is their only hope for relief. This will call for some serious conversations among families, groups of friends, and maybe even between doctors and patients who have decided it is time for an honest talk. But for the potentially 16% of Ohioans who are struggling with their relationship with alcohol, those difficult, honest conversations might be lifesavers. NEWSLETTER Today's breaking news and more in your inbox I'm interested in (please check all that apply) Daily Newsletter Breaking News Obituaries Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? * Yes No COMMENTS Editorials COVID numbers are likely higher If you’ve already been thinking it, now Ohio State University doctors are saying it. The number of COVID-19 cases ... Health department needs to get accredited Businesses and organizations of all kinds can understand how the changing workload — and changes in the way we ... Priorities must be set As members of Ohio’s Congressional delegation discussed the amount of money headed to the Buckeye State from the ... Parents can help schools during rise in COVID Numbers reported on the delta and omicron (and now the combo “deltacron”) variants of COVID-19 are a little ... Schools are needing substitutes We knew it was coming, but some Ohio school districts still find themselves scrambling as another surge in the ... January brings weather challenges for everyone With the holidays behind us, it is time to get down to the serious business of winter. I know that some people love ... MOST READ Army Corps of Engineers replacing wall Mid-Ohio Valley crews prep for winter storm Oak Grove VFD fire chief reinstated after suspension Wolf Creek BOE holds first meeting of the new year Board of Health discusses accreditation Prep Basketball Roundup Newsletter Today's breaking news and more in your inbox I'm interested in (please check all that apply) Daily Newsletter Breaking News Obituaries Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? * Yes No Starting at $4.39/week. Subscribe Today News Local News Obituaries Business West Virginia News Sports Local Sports Local Sports Columns West Virginia Sports Ohio Sports Opinion Local Columns Editorials Letters to the Editor Life Local Columns Features Engagements Weddings Contact Submit News Advertise Contact Us Copyright © Marietta Times | https://www.mariettatimes.com | 700 Channel Lane, Marietta, OH 45750 | 740-373-2121 | Ogden Newspapers | The Nutting Company