On this Fourth of July, make your celebration a teachable moment for the youth in your family and community by making the decision to drink responsibly. Binge drinking is the third leading cause of preventable deaths. Binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks in a single bout for men and 4 or more for women. The top three causes of these deaths are motor vehicle crashes, homicides and falls. During this time of year, it can also cause drowning, boat crashes and burns from fireworks or campfires. When people binge drink, they are unaware of how fast the alcohol can cause their decision-making skills and physical abilities to decrease, and this is when accidents occur. It just isn’t enough to avoid drinking and driving. Drinking too much adds to the chance of violence, drunk driving crashes and the accidents mentioned. You are just as liable to hurt others or yourself by drinking in excess. Moderate drinking is not only more responsible, but teaches our youth that you can have fun and live a healthier lifestyle. Memories are made by these holiday celebrations, so let’s just make sure they are good memories for us all!
If you would like more information on binge drinking and ways to be a part of helping our youth in Richland County, please contact MSN, Linda Carrol, Missy Smies, Community Coordinator, District II Alcohol and Drug Programs, 406-433-4097, [email protected] or on Facebook at Richland County STAND, or StAnD4yOUth.
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