| Problem Drinking ...
17.6 million American adults are either alcohol dependent
or abuse alcohol.
National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, alcohol dependence - particularly among men - has decreased; however, rates of alcohol abuse have increased.
Super Bowl Sunday has long been associated with over consumption of alcohol and the problems of alcohol abuse. Mothers Against Drunk Driving has compiled statistics for Super Bowl day alcohol related driving fatalities every year since 1999. These statistics show that an average Super Bowl Sundays see 55.4% increase in alcohol related traffic fatalities over other days of the year.
Part of the problem may be that imbibing alcohol
is encouraged during the Super Bowl. Nearly 20% of
the commercials, 10 out of 58, aired during Super
Bowl XXXIX will advertise alcohol products. Last year
alcohol commercials were among both the most controversial
and popular.
Also promoting Super Bowl alcohol consumption, football
writer, whose goal is to, "provide you with all the
necessary resources every serious football fan needs...,"
offers Super Bowl party recipes for alcoholic Jello
shots, including instructions in how to make them
stronger. SOBERnet, a website on alcohol abuse and
alcoholism, offers an alternative recipe for a successful
Super Bowl party.
Serve alternative nonalcoholic drinks. Have a key check, and don't let party goers drive drunk. Provide transportation via a designated non-drinking driver or taxi. Plan post game activities, as only time can help someone sober up. And, don't drink and drive.
|
