Alcohol Abuse Statistics in Columbus Ohio

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Statistics on alcohol abuse in Ohio show that addiction to alcohol is the most common contributor to substance use disorders in the state. Read on to learn more about the damaging effects of this legal but potentially dangerous substance.

What Are the Alcoholism Statistics in Ohio?

Alcoholism (alcohol use disorder) is a chronic brain disorder that’s characterized by the compulsive consumption of alcohol regardless of adverse outcomes. It is also a relapsing condition, with up to 60% of those who engage with treatment relapsing at least once.

Despite these challenges, alcoholism is treatable, with a variety of effective strategies available, including behavioral therapies, medication, and support groups. These treatments aim to help people regain control over their alcohol use, improve their health and well-being, and achieve long-term recovery.

Data from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) show that there was a slight decline in rates of alcoholism in Ohio from 2017 to 2019, although roughly 500,000 residents of the state had diagnosable alcohol addictions in those years.

Rates of alcohol use disorder were higher in young adults aged 18 to 25:

  • 10% experienced an alcohol use disorder in the past year
  • 39% participated in binge drinking sessions

Despite the challenges posed by alcohol addiction, there is hope. Evidence-based treatments are available and have been proven effective in halting the progression of addiction. On a single day in March 2019, among those in Ohio seeking treatment for substance use:

  • 49% were treated exclusively for drug-related issues
  • 15% for alcohol-related problems only
  • 36% received treatment for both drug and alcohol addictions
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Combatting Alcohol Abuse Statistics in Ohio

Ohio’s response to alcohol abuse involves a comprehensive strategy, focusing on prevention, education, and treatment. Recognizing the unique needs of different age groups, especially young adults who show higher rates of binge drinking and alcohol use disorder, targeted interventions are in place. These include community awareness programs, school-based education to prevent underage drinking, and increased access to treatment and recovery services.

The state’s approach also emphasizes the importance of evidence-based treatment methods. These are designed to offer individuals the best chance for recovery, addressing not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the psychological and social factors contributing to substance abuse.

Efforts to combat alcohol abuse in Ohio also involve collaboration with healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers to create a supportive environment for those affected. By focusing on reducing the stigma associated with seeking help and enhancing the availability of resources, Ohio aims to decrease the prevalence of alcohol use disorder and its impacts on individuals, families, and communities.

The battle against alcohol abuse in Ohio is ongoing, but with continued focus on education, treatment, and support, there is hope for reducing these statistics and improving the lives of those affected by alcohol use disorder.

Resources for Getting Help for Alcohol Addiction in Ohio

Here’s how to get help for alcohol addiction in Ohio:

OhioMHAS (Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services)

State-funded rehabilitation programs, counseling services, and support groups. Visit the OhioMHAS website or call their hotline for assistance.

AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetings in Ohio

Peer support meetings across various locations in Ohio. Use the AA meeting locator on their website to find a local meeting.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

Confidential, 24/7 information service and treatment referral (in English and Spanish) for anyone facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Local support groups and counseling services

Many communities in Ohio offer local support groups and counseling services. Check community centers, hospitals, or religious organizations for resources.

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Get Help for Drug & Alcohol Addiction at Ohio Recovery Centers

Take advantage of the robust addiction support community at Ohio Recovery Centers and kickstart your recovery from drug or alcohol addiction the right way.

We specialize in the outpatient treatment of all types of addictions. This enables you to remain anchored to your daily commitments while attending weekday therapy sessions at our rehab center in Cincinnati, OH.

The unique presentation of all addictions and mental health conditions means that Ohio Recovery Centers treatment programs offer personalized treatments. This may include medications, talk therapies, motivational therapies, and holistic treatments.

Call 877-679-2132 today and move beyond alcohol abuse.

Table of Contents

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Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.
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Christopher Glover CDCA

My name is Christopher Glover, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently in school and working to grow in competence to better support our community. As a recovering individual I know the struggles that you or a loved one can go through and that there is help for anything you may be struggling with.

The hardest part is asking for help and we are here as a team to best support you and your decision to start your journey towards a better future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

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Amanda Kuchenberg PRS CDCA

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s.  My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. 

As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.  I currently have my Peer Recovery Support Supervision Certification along with my CDCA and plan to continue my education with University of Cincinnati so I can continue to aid in the battle against substance addiction. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

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Patrick McCamley LCDC III

 Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019. Patrick received his bachelors degree in psychology from University of Cincinnati in 2021 and received his LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2022. Patrick has worked in Clinical Operations, Clinical Case Management, and Clinical Therapy throughout his career.

Patrick has tremendous empathy and compassion for the recovery community, being in recovery himself since 2018. Patrick is uniquely qualified to be helpful because of the specific combination of his academic background and his own experience in recovery.

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Bill Zimmerman CDCA

Bill Zimmerman is a Greater Cincinnati Area native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2018. Bill received his (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2020.

Bill has worked in Clinical Operations in both support and supervision, and Program facilitating and 12 step recovery support during his career. Bill has a passion for the recovery community, having been in recovery himself since 1982. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

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Taylor Lilley CDCA, PRS

Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could ever understand what I was going through.

Sharing my experience offers a credibility and a certain type of trust with clients that only someone who has walked down this road can illustrate. To immerse myself further into the field of addiction, I am currently studying at Cincinnati State for Human and Social Services.  I hope I never forget where I came from, if I can do it, so can you!

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Thomas Hunter LSW

Hello my name is Thomas Hunter. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

I strive each day to serve my purpose of helping those in need and I believe I do so by utilizing all of my experiences to accomplish my goal of supporting those who desire to establish their sobriety and maintain it in their recovery. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

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Mary D.Porter,LICDC

 My name is Mary D. Porter. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2008 from The University of Cincinnati. I received My Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure in 2001. I retired from The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center on April 14, 2014. Currently, I am the Associate Clinical Director for The Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers in Cincinnati.. Due to the fourth wave of the Opioid Epidemic in 2019,  I decided to enter back into the workforce to assist the addicted population.

The overdoses were astounding and I wanted to help.  I consider myself  to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and  love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.

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Ben Lemmon LCDC III

Hello, my name is Ben Lemmon, and I’m the Vice President and Clinical Director at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction.

When I first meet a client, I always explain to them that the reason we are meeting is because they are not capable of obtaining or maintaining sobriety, and my goal is to create a person that can maintain sobriety. I believe a person’s personality is made up of their thoughts, feelings and actions and my job is to help clients identify the thoughts, feelings and actions that have them disconnected from recovery and provide them with the tools to live a healthy and happy life. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn