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News Brief

May 2, 2025 |  By: NNC/DeHaven

Nebraska has endured one of the highest rates of binge drinking in the nation

One state in our listening area has endured one of the highest rates of binge drinking in the nation. Alcohol was blammed for at least 720 fatalities in Nebraska during 2020. CEO of the Community Alliance in Omaha, Aileen Brady, says alcohol abuse and addiction affects families and friendships but can also lead to safety issues among employees who may be alcohol dependent.

"If their reactions are not as sharp, if they're not sleeping well and if they're distracted with the sense of needing to have that drink, it's going to affect their workplace as well.", says Brady.

However, alcohol is not the only subtance that has contributed to the issue. According to Brady, alcohol and other substance abuse disorders affect at least 65% of Nebraskans seeking mental health treatment at Community Alliance. Brady adds Community Alliance hopes to continue dispeling myths about the effects of alcohol and raise awareness about the negative physical and mental health outcomes of drinking too much. Nationwide, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health said more than 224-million people 12 and older report having consumed alcohol during their lifetime.