As the holiday season approaches, four state agencies in Oregon are joining forces to promote the “Rethink the Drink” campaign. This initiative encourages people to celebrate safely by raising awareness about the health and social harms associated with excessive alcohol use. Led by the Oregon Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission (ADPC), Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), and Oregon Health Authority (OHA), the campaign aims to equip individuals with tools to reduce alcohol consumption pressures during family gatherings and holiday parties.

“In these environments, it’s easy to drink more than you normally might,” said Dr. Tom Jeanne, deputy state health officer at OHA. “We can all support one another to drink less, and that includes having healthy and honest conversations about our alcohol use.” The campaign highlights the fact that more than 2,500 Oregonians die annually from alcohol-related causes, including cancers, heart disease, liver disease, violence, and vehicle crashes. Excessive alcohol use remains the third leading cause of preventable deaths in the state.

Holiday gatherings are often linked to binge drinking, which can impair judgment and lead to unsafe behaviors like drunk driving. “Preventing impaired driving is a shared responsibility,” said Ryan Stone, ODOT’s impaired driving program manager. “By planning ahead—whether that’s designating a sober driver, arranging a rideshare, or using public transportation—we can help keep our roads safe.” The campaign emphasizes simple yet effective strategies such as offering non-alcoholic beverage options, setting personal drinking limits, and encouraging hydration and food consumption during events.

The campaign also urges hosts and guests to foster inclusive and supportive environments by avoiding pressuring others to drink. “Not everyone drinks alcohol, and not all drinkers want to drink only alcohol,” noted Craig Prins, OLCC executive director. The initiative aligns with OHA’s broader goal of ending health inequities in Oregon by 2030, focusing on systemic issues that disproportionately impact Black and American Indian communities and individuals with lower incomes or education levels. Through “Rethink the Drink,” Oregon aims to create safer, healthier communities this holiday season and beyond.

Find more from Oregon Health Authority (USA, November 2024) and visit https://www.rethinkthedrink.com/