Ethan Health promotes Sober October to address alcohol use disorder during Depression Awareness Month
BURLINGTON, Ky. — With Kentuckians averaging 2,206 deaths annually from excessive alcohol use, Ethan Health challenges the normalization of heavy drinking, promoting mindfulness this fall to combat seasonal depression and temptations, and encouraging presence with family and children.
The alarming fatality statistics, reported by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, are compounded by the fact that alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the second most common mental health issue among those who die by suicide, contributing to 1 in 4 cases, according to a study published in Alcohol Clinical and Experimental Research journal.
“I think coming to the realization that alcohol is powerful is so important,” says Whitney Agee, Ethan Health’s Residential Program Coordinator. “If you’ve ever known someone struggling with alcoholism, you can see how powerful the substance is against them and how powerless it makes them feel. Alcohol is so socially acceptable, and you can buy it almost anywhere, but people need to take it more seriously.”
Since first opening the inpatient facility’s doors in June 2023, Agee has witnessed the impact substance use has on families, especially children. “Working to build that trust again, the trust has been broken a lot of the times with either the people that have the children or the children themselves. A lot of trust has been broken,” Agee explains. “The children are entitled to their feelings, they’ve been through a lot, so it’s hard to trust somebody again that’s been in addiction, that you’ve watched go through that as being that child. So, trusting them again, that they’re going to do the right thing is a big barrier.”
A 2022 University of Louisville study found that, despite rising alcohol misuse and increasing cases of alcohol liver disease and alcohol use disorder in Kentucky and nationwide, many people are not seeking treatment. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy drinking as four or more drinks per day or eight per week for women, and five or more drinks per day or 15 per week for men.
In recognition of these challenges, Ethan Health is offering educational resources during Sober October to raise awareness about alcohol use. The organization encourages parents to prioritize their mental health by journaling, finding sober peers, and conducting self-screenings for depression. Additionally, Ethan Health is sharing strategies to help families break routines where alcohol—like beers during a football game—may have become a regular part of family life, encouraging more meaningful, alcohol-free time together.
For effective alcohol use disorder treatment, visit Ethan Health’s Boone and Madison County locations, offering medication-assisted treatments as well as cognitive behavioral and family therapy. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ethanhealthllc for motivation and community throughout Sober October or visit ethanhealth.org for more treatment options.