PORTLAND, Oregon — For many people, the holidays and alcohol use go hand in hand, but Oregon health officials are trying to change that narrative with a new campaign called Rethink the Drink. The new push by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is taking aim at excessive alcohol use, which health officials say is one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in Oregon.
“We're trying to start a new conversation to help dial down the pressure around alcohol, and help create more supportive community spaces for everyone," said Dr. Tom Jeanne, deputy state health officer and epidemiologist at OHA.
Jeanne noted the campaign in part explores how alcohol has crept into so many social settings including hair salons, children’s parties and community foot races.
“Many of us find ourselves drinking more,” said Jeanne. “This campaign is about caring for one another and for our communities so that we can all be healthy and feel supported."
Those in the field of treating alcoholism note the disease does not discriminate based on who one knows, where they’re from or how much money they have.
“Alcohol is probably one of the most deadliest drugs out there,” said Daniel Gamboa, program manager at CityTeam in Southeast Portland.
Gamboa’s path to sobriety started several years ago with help from CityTeam Ministries. Now he's helping others find that same freedom.
“I would be dead right now if it wasn't for the 12 Step of Alcoholics Anonymous,” said Gamboa. “Not everyone who drinks alcohol is an alcoholic but for those of us who are, it is a fatal disease.”
Data from OHA supports that. The state says heavy drinking among adults is rising, and the cause of one in five deaths of Oregonians ages 20 to 49. The state also points to excessive alcohol use as the third-leading cause of preventable death and disease in Oregon.
“It hits me really hard because I've known so many people who have died from this disease,” said Gamboa. “The reality is I will know more, and I will know more next year.”
Gamboa said he appreciates the state’s efforts to encourage conversations about alcohol and support during the holiday season, a time he noted can be especially difficult when it comes to social pressures.
“It's almost expected that we drink,” said Gamboa.
He urged people to challenge that social construct and to stand with those fighting addiction. For those still building the courage to begin that fight, he offered additional encouragement.
“The reality is there are a lot of people out there that are going through the exact same thing,” said Gamboa. “When we go to these [Alcoholics Anonymous] meetings, it feels so good because there is no judgment.”
Those interested in attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting can find one near them, here.