As communities prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is encouraging people to plan to keep themselves, their families and communities safe from excessive alcohol use.
Celebrating safely
Independence Day celebrations often include barbecues, parades, fireworks, and time with friends and loved ones. For many people, alcohol is part of the celebration. Its widespread presence can make it easy for people to drink more than planned and contributes to pressure on others to drink.
Alcohol is involved in more than one-third of vehicle crashes in Oregon, and impaired driving remains a leading cause of preventable death. In Oregon, more than one in five adults drink excessively, contributing to more than 3,000 alcohol-related deaths each year.
“This weekend is about celebrating our nation’s history and spending time with the people who matter most,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., MPH, deputy state health officer and deputy epidemiologist at OHA. “As people across Oregon gather to mark our country’s 250th birthday, we want everyone to plan ahead so the holiday is both fun and safe. If alcohol is part of your plan, arrange for a safe ride home before you go. Setting a limit and tracking your drinks can also help you avoid drinking more than you intended.”
The dangers of drinking too much alcohol
Binge drinking—consuming four or more drinks for women; five or more drinks for men on a single occasion—poses specific risks during holiday weekends. In addition to vehicle crashes, it contributes to violence, falls, and other preventable injuries. And it’s not just younger people—those in their 30s and 40s report binge drinking at nearly the same rate. Most individuals in this group do not have an alcohol use disorder.
Excessive drinking can have long-term effects, too. Drinking beyond recommended limits can contribute to serious health consequences, from liver and heart disease to several types of cancers. It can also influence how children and teens view alcohol when they see it consistently tied to holidays and celebrations.
“Even small changes in drinking habits can meaningfully improve your health,” Jeanne said. “And no matter who you are, drinking less is better for your health than drinking more.”
Tips for a safe celebration:
- Plan. Arrange for a designated driver and use public transportation or ride-share services.
- Host mindfully. Offer non-alcoholic beverages for your events.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and eat while you’re drinking.
- Drink less. Consider replacing some drinks with water, a non-alcoholic beverage, or watering down a drink with more ice or low sugar mixer.
- Set a limit. If you want to reduce your drinking, think about what causes you to drink too much and create a plan to help you stick to your limit.
- Count. Track your drinking using a mobile app or other tools. Find resources at rethinkthedrink.com/resources.
- Communicate. Take time to pause, learn about the harm caused by excessive drinking, and talk with your loved ones about the way alcohol is present in our lives and communities. Join the conversation at rethinkthedrink.com.
About Rethink the Drink
Rethink the Drink is a health communications initiative led by OHA, in partnership with Oregon’s Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, and Oregon Department of Transportation. The campaign invites people in Oregon to have mindful conversations about when, how much, and why they drink—for themselves, their families and their communities year-round. There are several resources at RethinkTheDrink.com to help people who want to drink less, or to support individuals or their loved ones who might have an alcohol use disorder. You can also find Rethink the Drink on Facebook and Instagram.
If you or someone you know is concerned about their drinking or may have an alcohol dependence or an alcohol use disorder, free, confidential resources and support are available online or by calling or 1-800-923-4357.