Sobriety and The Mt. Hood Villages: How giving up alcohol has changed locals’ lives
By: Amber Ford, The Mountain Times
As alcohol-related cancers and other related illnesses are on the rise, more and more Mt. Hood Villages residents are reevaluating their relationships with alcohol and the patterns and cycles that can lead to risky and deadly behaviors. According to The Center for Disease Control (CDC), recent research has shown cancer-related deaths have nearly doubled in the United States, reaching over 20,000 annually with a more significant uptick in liver, colorectal, and esophageal cancers. Considering these deaths counted 12,000 in 1990, the CDC warns that these numbers will only increase if patterns and behaviors do not change.
Although the above-mentioned cancers have increased, The CDC also found cancers such as mouth, throat, larynx, and breast also present as increased risk when alcohol consumption is higher than the recommended average – two or less drinks a day for men and one or less drinks a day for women. Overconsumption of alcohol can also lead to other dangerous health risks as well. Liver disease, cardiovascular disease, neurological and mental illness, gastrointestinal and pancreatic illnesses, and musculoskeletal diseases are all potential risks related to alcohol.
With the risks seemingly growing, many community members, such as Robin Bird, have decided to make significant changes in their lives. She explained her desire to live a healthier lifestyle increased when she gave up drinking, and she noticed a significant change to her mental health as well. “My anxiety, depression, and blood pressure have all regulated since I quit drinking.” Bird also understands how stigmas play a big role in small towns and their relationships with drinking. “I feel that rural communities have social gatherings that involve over-consumption,” she said. “I’ve even heard it referred to it as ‘mountain culture,’” she added.
Although rural areas and major metropolitan areas share similar stories when it comes to alcohol- related issues, according to the CDC, small town communities are more prone to binge-drinking and fatal alcohol-related deaths. The lack of local resources for alcohol addiction can create a multitude of issues when it comes to managing the problem. The CDC goes on to address the lack of law enforcement and DUI checkpoints in smaller communities. As most small towns rely solely on county and state officials for law and order, the lack of police presence creates a scenario where community members are more likely to operate a vehicle while under the influence, ultimately leading to deaths, especially in areas where the roadways and the environment are unforgiving.
With statistics increasing, sobriety has become the glue that holds fragile communities together. Echoing Bird’s the sentiments, Mt. Hood Villages resident Allie Schouten’s 11-year commitment to sobriety has been an inspiration to other sober residents within the community. “When we moved to Welches, I was surprised to find a strong sober community on the mountain,” Schouten said, adding “I have friends here with decades of recovery, and their dedication to mental and physical health keeps me on track in my own life.”
Commitment to self-healing and a sense of control, many within the sober community are sharing their values and knowledge with those just beginning their journey. The recovery community plays a huge part in supporting sober living. “I feel like as people get older, we want to break those generational chains,” Bird said. Adding to Bird’s sentiments, Schouten added “it’s a big step, committing to yourself, but once you realize there’s more to life than self-sabotage and booze, life becomes a bit more precious.”
Although The Mt. Hood Villages seem far removed from resources, help is available locally. Local Alcoholics Anonymous groups meet Mondays at 9 a.m. at St. John’s in the Woods Catholic Church and Fridays (women’s group) at 6 p.m. Al-Anon is also available at Coffee House 26 every Tuesday at 6 p.m.