A new study has found that alcohol-related deaths in the United States climbed nearly 26 percent in 2020, which is the largest year-over-year increase in decades. The researchers found that the largest increase, about 38 percent, occurred among people ages 25 to 44.

Sadly, we are just now understanding what effects the pandemic has had on substance use disorder. April is National Alcohol Awareness month, and it is important that we speak to today’s young people and raise awareness about the dangers of underage alcohol consumption and excessive consumption among adults.

Excessive drinking can compromise your immune system, impair good judgement and damage a developing brain. It is important we demonstrate to children and teens that drinking alcohol is not the answer during difficult situations. It is also essential to talk with your children about underage drinking and the long-term effects it might have.

Equally important is to let those people in recovery or those seeking help know there are resources available if they need them. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s online calendar, TodayNJ, highlights local community substance use disorder, prevention, treatment and recovery events throughout the state. If your organization is looking to promote treatment, recovery or community events, please submit your information here.

Be well.