This month is Alcohol Awareness Month. Alcohol use is
deeply embedded in the customs and practices of our society
and religion. Consequently, the dangers of this drug are
frequently overlooked or underestimated. Yet the adverse
effects of alcohol abuse are universal, touching the lives of
all. We have all seen the grim figures, but please take a
moment to review these facts once again.

· More than 17,000 people die each year in alcohol
related traffic crashes (41% of all traffic fatalities).
· More than 2 million Americans suffer from
alcohol-related liver disease.
· 8-10% of Americans abuse or are dependent on
alcohol.
· 40% of 10th graders reported drinking alcohol in the
past month, 22% reported being drunk, 25% reported
binge drinking. And these numbers get worse as the
children get older.
· High risk drinking takes a significant toll on our nation’s
college students: 1,700 college students die each year
from alcohol-related causes, 97,000 students are
victims of alcohol-related sexual assault, 2.1 million
students drove under the influence of alcohol, 31%
meet criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse.

Not all people who abuse alcohol are alcoholics, but all have
a problem they probably can’t overcome by themselves. As
a community of faith, we need to recognize that we are not
immune from the problems that plague all of our society.
We can assume that 10% of us have a problem with alcohol.
Yet, we must apply the tenets of our faith to this problem
and not react as much of society does to this issue. We
must be sure to recognize that having a problem with alcohol
is not a moral failing, but a true medical problem that
should be treated as such. We should have as much compassion
and care for the ones of us that suffer this problem
as we do for those who have diabetes, heart disease, or any
other chronic health issue. And one of the most important
things we must do, as a church, is be willing to discuss this
issue openly, without judgment.

I do not intend to write here a litany of reasons not to use
alcohol. For many of us, alcohol can be used in a healthy
fashion. But I do hope that each of us will examine our
own use of alcohol honestly. If you or someone you love
struggles with the use of alcohol, let’s talk about it. Let us
work together to decrease the destructive effect of alcohol
on our community, our families, our children, and ourselves.

Last week, the Health Ministry sent out an assessment of
health needs in our congregation. This survey is completely
confidential – no names will be asked. If alcohol is a problem
in your family, please note that on the survey. Your
responses will help us to develop some effective programs
for dealing with alcohol abuse in our family of faith.