Alcohol is a growing public health concern, yet remains one of the most commonly used substances in the United States.

The Scope of Alcohol Use in America

• 27.9 million Americans experience alcohol use disorder each year
• 178,000 Americans die annually from excessive alcohol use – nearly 500 lives every day (CDC)

This means that alcohol misuse is not a distant issue – it is impacting families, workplaces, and communities right now.

A Closer Look at Alabama

While these national numbers are staggering, the impact becomes even more real when we look closer to home.

In Alabama:

• 14.6 of adults report binge or heavy drinking, according to America’s Health Rankings
• Alcohol-related deaths occur at a rate of approximately 7.1 deaths per 10,000 adults (NCDAS)
• That equates to thousands of lives lost across the state each year due to excessive alcohol use

These are not just numbers – they represent neighbors, coworkers, and families across our communities.

What This Means for Huntsville

In Huntsville and across North Alabama, we are not immune to these trends. As one of the fasting growing cities in the Southeast, Huntsville is experiencing:

• Increased population growth—and with it, increased need for behavioral health services
• Greater visibility of substance use challenges across all age groups and demographics
• A rising demand for family support, recovery resources, and education

At Not One More Alabama, we see firsthand every day:

• Families searching for guidance on how to help a loved one
• Individuals struggling silently with alcohol misuse
• Community members looking for connection, support, and hope

The Treatment Gap

Despite the magnitude of the issue:

• Less than 10% of people with alcohol use disorder receive treatment

Barriers such as stigma, cost, and lack of awareness continue to prevent people from seeking help – even when help is available right here in our community.

The Reality of Recovery

While the statistics can feel overwhelming, there is powerful hope:

• More than 20 million Americans are living in recovery
• Nearly 3 out of 4 people who experience addiction eventually recover

Recovery is not rare. It is real, it is possible, and it is happening every day – including right here in Huntsville

Why Alcohol Awareness Month Matters

Alcohol Awareness Month is not just about statistics – it is about people. It is about:

• Families navigating how to help a loved one
• Individuals silently struggling
• Support those who are struggling
• Celebrate those in recovery

Because behind every statistic is a story – and every story deserves hope.