Sara Bown’s life was deeply impacted by alcohol addiction. The resident of Windsor, Ontario, faced the loss of her home, marriage, and job due to her struggles with alcoholism.
“By the age of 34, I was a daily drinker, fully entrenched in alcoholism,” Bown shared. “I distanced myself from friends and family, suffered significant financial losses, and lost touch with who I was.”
After six years of sobriety, Bown is now speaking out to raise awareness about alcohol abuse.
Local advocates emphasize that alcohol abuse is a pressing public health concern that demands more attention.
“There is a clear need for heightened focus on this issue as it continues to escalate,” stated Patrick Kolowicz, the director of mental health and addiction services at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.
Kolowicz revealed that over half of the individuals seeking treatment services at their facility are struggling with alcohol dependency.
The seriousness of the issue is underscored by data from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, demonstrating that alcohol consistently leads to more emergency room visits and hospitalizations than any other substance.
The statistics cover several years, with over 2,000 alcohol-related emergency room admissions in 2024, significantly surpassing the 434 opioid-related visits.
Dr. Medhi Aloosh, the regional medical officer of health, emphasized that alcohol’s impact outweighs that of all other substances combined.
Alcohol’s Cultural Influence
Both Kolowicz and Aloosh noted the role of cultural norms in alcohol abuse. Kolowicz highlighted how alcohol consumption is often central to social gatherings and celebrations.
“Drinking is commonly associated with enjoyment,” Kolowicz explained. “This societal acceptance of drinking can lead to a culture where alcohol consumption is normalized. Those who abstain may face social scrutiny. When you realize that alcohol poses the highest risk among all substance uses in our community, it’s a stark realization,” he added.
WATCH | Sara Bown on the societal impact of alcohol abuse
Sara Bown has been alcohol free for six years. She talks about how social norms and easy access to alcohol play a role in alcohol abuse.
Raising Awareness on Alcohol-Related Risks
Aloosh emphasized the lack of awareness regarding the link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risks. The World Health Organization identifies alcohol as a cause of at least
