Throughout the Berkshires, local health experts increasingly note the urgency of reducing alcohol misuse. The pervasive normalization of alcohol has a strong impact on youth, who report their own use is influenced by attitudes and expectations set by adults (“peer pressure” appears to play a lesser role).

Nationally, alcohol misuse is responsible for approximately 178,000 deaths per year; by comparison, in 2022 drug overdoses accounted for 110,000 deaths. In 2023, 22% of  County adults reported binge or heavy drinking, above state and national averages of 19%. Data from Berkshire Health Systems shows that 11.9% of patients in the Emergency Department had an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), compared to 5.8% at all hospitals. In 2022, Berkshire County experienced 36.9 alcohol-related deaths per 100,000 people, vs. 28.3 statewide.

In response, BRPC has collaborated with multiple local agencies to prepare a comprehensive four-goal approach to address alcohol misuse and addiction in the Berkshires. This approach acknowledges that alcohol tends to play a central role in many of our social lives and that reducing problematic use can occur in tandem with reducing social isolation and loneliness, identified by the Surgeon General as a national health crisis. These four goals seek to reduce the “drinking culture” of Berkshire County, increase engagement with treatment and recovery, promote mental health services, and enhance social and peer support.

The full report includes more details on these goals and potential strategies, along with key stakeholder recommendations. Municipalities can consider ways to strengthen local policies with an evidence basis to reduce harmful use. For individuals, modeling healthy behaviors (particularly controlled drinking and limiting substance use around minors) is the key first step. Individuals can also familiarize themselves with local resources, such as those on boapc.org/get-help, to better support someone who may be struggling with substance use. You can also provide social support to friends, colleagues, and family through active listening, modeling prosocial values such as kindness and respect, and simply calling a friend you haven’t heard from in a while.

BRPC staff continue to collaborate with local agencies, municipalities, and youth-serving organizations to help reduce the normalization of alcohol misuse, particularly for young people.