Stay mindful of alcohol’s adverse effects on health this fall

September 6, 2024

The arrival of the fall season turns the spotlight on several alcohol-related topics. Many college and university students are already back in school, where campus life can influence drinking behaviors. September is both Recovery Month and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Month. These observances are followed by Sober October, which is part of the sober curious movement.

For college freshmen, the first 6 weeks of the school year are typically a vulnerable time for underage drinking due to social pressures, increased freedom, and other factors. Underage and binge drinking are both serious public health problems and are common on many college campuses and in the surrounding neighborhoods. Binge-drinking rates are higher among college students than their noncollege peers. Parents still have an influence on their college student’s life, so it’s important to keep the lines of communication open, especially around alcohol-related issues. For more resources and information, please visit our College Drinking Prevention website.

In September, during Recovery Month, we celebrate recovery from alcohol and other substance use disorders and also raise awareness and understanding of these disorders. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) may be mild, moderate, or severe and affects individuals of all ages. According to a national survey, 28.9 million people ages 12 and older had AUD in the past year. Overcoming AUD is an ongoing process and may include setbacks. However, most people with AUD can benefit from treatment and recovery is possible. To find evidence-based treatment or to learn about treatment options and the signs of quality care, visit the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator.

FASD Awareness Month is also observed in September and is dedicated to raising awareness about the array of lifelong physical, cognitive, and behavioral problems caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. These adverse effects can range from mild to severe and contribute to a variety of issues such as learning disabilities, speech and language delays, visual and hearing problems, problems with vital organs, and social challenges throughout a person’s life. FASD Awareness Month also highlights the importance of preventing prenatal alcohol exposure and serves as a reminder to everyone that there is no known safe level of alcohol use, or time to drink, during pregnancy. NIAAA has an FASD fact sheet where you can learn more.

Sober October provides an opportunity for people to take a break from alcohol for the month and reevaluate their relationship with alcohol. Doing so can help someone better understand their motivations for drinking and how alcohol is affecting their quality of life. Some people may realize they are drinking to cope with stress or anxiety. They might also find that alcohol was disrupting their sleep, causing weight gain, or contributing to relationship/interpersonal conflicts. Sober October participants may notice that they wake up with more energy and in a better mood than when they were drinking regularly. Research has also shown that taking a month-long break from alcohol can be good for the body. For more ideas to help you explore your relationship with alcohol and tips for cutting back, visit NIAAA’s Rethinking Drinking.

The transition to fall is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the impact that alcohol has on our lives, families, and society. NIAAA has a wealth of information about alcohol’s effects on health, information about alcohol treatment, and tips for cutting back or stopping drinking. I invite you to visit our website to learn more.

Best wishes,

George F. Koob, Ph.D.
NIAAA Director