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Introduction
Journey to Recovery, an addiction recovery center in the Northeast Kingdom, refers two people a week to inpatient treatment for alcohol use disorder.
At the other end of the state, 2 out of 3 patients that Bennington Turning Point recovery coaches see through their emergency room program primarily have alcohol dependency issues.
In Rutland and Springfield, local recovery coaches are also seeing an increasing number of people aged 60 and up who are seeking help for alcohol misuse.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
National Survey on Drug Use and Health
A recent national survey reflects this gloomy picture of alcohol use in Vermont. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health for 2021 and 2022 show Vermont had the second highest rate of alcohol use disorder among the states.
Alcohol Use Disorder in Vermont
- Journey to Recovery refers two people a week to inpatient treatment for alcohol use disorder.
- Bennington Turning Point recovery coaches primarily see patients with alcohol dependency issues.
- Rutland and Springfield recovery coaches are seeing an increasing number of older adults seeking help for alcohol misuse.
Binge Drinking and Alcohol Consumption in Vermont
- Vermont ranks No. 2 for binge drinking.
- 27% of Vermonters acknowledged binge drinking.
- Vermont ranks third nationwide for alcohol consumption in the past 30 days.
Long-term Health Risks
- Alcohol misuse contributes to health problems such as high blood pressure, anxiety and depression, and cancer.
- Alcohol misuse can weaken the immune system and cause learning and memory problems.
Public Attention and Funding
Alcohol dependency in Vermont is getting more public attention, as it is a substance that people often struggle with but has been overshadowed by the state’s opioid epidemic.
The majority of funding and attention tends to lean towards opioid use disorder, but more people seek help for alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol Misuse Among Older Adults
- Recovery centers have seen an increase in older adults seeking recovery services for alcohol misuse.
- Social isolation, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, contributes to alcohol misuse among the elderly.
- Data from the state health department does not reflect a bump in chronic drinking or at-risk drinking behavior among elderly Vermonters.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- SDG 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.5: Rate of alcohol use disorder among the population.
- Indicator for SDG 10.2: Percentage of older adults seeking help for alcohol misuse.
- Indicator for SDG 11.3: Number of people referred to inpatient treatment for alcohol use disorder in different regions.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol. | Indicator: Rate of alcohol use disorder among the population. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Indicator: Percentage of older adults seeking help for alcohol misuse. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries. | Indicator: Number of people referred to inpatient treatment for alcohol use disorder in different regions. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: vtdigger.org
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