Alcoholism in Albuquerque

Alcoholism, also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a chronic and progressive disease that affects millions of people every year. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), around 14.4 million adults in the United States had AUD in 2019.

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, alcoholism has been a major issue for many years. The city has consistently ranked high among other major cities in the United States for alcohol-related problems. According to the New Mexico Department of Health, in 2020, New Mexico had the eighth-highest alcohol-related death rate in the United States, with 17.5 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 9.6 deaths per 100,000 people.

The statistics for alcohol-related deaths are even higher in Albuquerque. In 2018, there were 1,532 alcohol-related deaths in New Mexico, and 280 of those deaths occurred in Albuquerque. This amounts to a rate of 31.6 deaths per 100,000 people in Albuquerque, which is significantly higher than the state average.

Furthermore, in 2019, there were 5,734 alcohol-related hospitalizations in New Mexico, with 1,086 of those hospitalizations occurring in Albuquerque. This means that 18.9% of all alcohol-related hospitalizations in the state took place in Albuquerque. These numbers highlight the severity of alcoholism in the city.

However, despite these troubling statistics, there is hope. With the right treatment and support, alcoholism can be treated, managed, and even overcome. In Albuquerque, there are many resources available for those struggling with alcoholism, including support groups, counseling services, and rehabilitation centers.

One of the main reasons for high rates of alcoholism in Albuquerque is the prevalence of heavy drinking in the state. According to the CDC, New Mexico ranks second highest in the nation for binge drinking rates, with 28.7% of adults reporting binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men within a two-hour period.

However, with increased awareness and education about the negative effects of binge drinking and the resources available to treat alcoholism, there has been a decrease in binge drinking rates in New Mexico in recent years. In fact, the state showed a 12% decrease in binge drinking rates between 2011 and 2015.

This indicates that the efforts to raise awareness about alcoholism and its risks are having a positive impact. It is important for individuals to know that they are not alone in their struggle with alcohol and that there is help available to them. Seeking professional treatment is the first step towards recovery and a healthier, happier life.

In conclusion, while alcoholism remains a significant issue in Albuquerque, it is important to remember that there is hope. With the right treatment and support, addiction can be treated and managed. It is crucial for individuals struggling with alcoholism to reach out for help and take the necessary steps towards recovery. The city and state are also actively working towards reducing the rates of alcohol-related problems, which offers a positive outlook for the future. It is never too late to seek help and start the journey towards a healthier and sober life.