Lift People Up, Whatever's in Their Cup

This sponsored content originally appeared in Edible Alaska Issue No. 26, Winter 2022. 

By Recover Alaska and State Of Alaska, Office Of Substance Misuse And Addiction Prevention

Holiday season is celebration season, right? This year, create a welcome, inclusive environment for everyone on your guest list. Did you know, 30 percent of adults don’t drink alcohol?1 Even for those who do drink, an open bar could be an invitation to overdo it if buzz-free options are limited. Binge drinking has severe risks including alcohol poisoning, injuries, violence, memory and learning problems, and alcohol misuse disorders. Alaska continues to experience some of the highest rates of harms in the U.S. related to alcohol, but we’re making progress. Underage alcohol use has been decreasing over the past decade.2 Celebrity sobriety content on social media and movements like Dry January, Sobriety Awareness Month, and Sober October are helping people who feel sober-curious or who want to go completely alcohol free.

As more and more people return to in-person workplaces, you can help a lot. Nearly a third of Alaskans increased their alcohol consumption to deal with stress from the pandemic.3 The Alaska Department of Health created an extensive toolkit to support workplace wellness as it relates to substance use. It provides information on addiction, behavioral health issues, and how employers can best support workers. See below for the kit.

For even more resources, such as an anonymous screening tool, stories of recovery, information about treatment and support services, and more delicious zero-proof recipes, visit Recover Alaska at recoveralaska.org.

Whether you’re in the workplace or hosting a party, make sure you’re lifting people up, whatever’s in their cup. Creating a culture of support helps prevent substance misuse and increases the likelihood of people seeking help and treatment if it’s needed.

This holiday season, we encourage party hosts to go beyond the buzz to include more alcohol-free and low-ABV drink options. Local kombuchas and delicious craft sodas made right here in Alaska can wow your guests. You can build creative, enticing alcohol-free cocktails, and even offer specialty alcohol-free spirits that look, smell, and taste authentic. They’re made with natural ingredients, are a healthier option that you can indulge in without a hangover, and are available in liquor stores around the state.

Sober does not mean boring! Welcome and include your low or no-alcohol friends with our zero-proof cocktail called “Glorious.”

Workplace Wellness Toolkit

recoveralaska.org

1) pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa70/aa70.htm

2) health.alaska.gov/dph/chronic/pages/yrbs/yrbs19.aspx

3) dhss.alaska.gov/dph/wcfh/pages/mchepi/default.aspx