- History of Perinatal Substance Abuse Services
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
- Perinatal Alcohol and Drug Programs
Message from the director
Thirtythree years ago, alcoholism nearly devastated my family and my life. The disease almost wrecked my marriage, took away my self-esteem and livelihood, and would have killed me had I not sought help. In treatment, I discovered that I was genetically predisposed to alcoholism. Moreover, I learned I didn’t have to face the condition myself. With treatment and family support, I got help – and I got better. I picked up the pieces of my life, marriage and career, and now, in a sweet bit of irony, I head the state’s largest agency in the campaign against alcohol abuse. So, if your friend or loved one is abusing alcohol, reach out to them. And if you yourself have problems with alcohol, I encourage you to seek treatment now. Remember: Treatment works, and recovery happens. I’m living proof.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
The surgeon general has determined there is no acceptable amount of alcohol that is deemed safe for consumption during a pregnancy. The use of alcohol is a recognized factor in infant morbidity and mortality and numerous studies have shown unfavorable birth outcomes resulting from alcohol exposure during pregnancy. The report, Perinatal Substance Use Screening in California, identifies the long term impacts of substance use during pregnancy and the scope of the problem in our state. Learn more
Youth and Seniors
“We are particularly concerned about our most vulnerable populations, the young and the elderly,” said Zito.
Treatment admissions for youth under 18 and seniors, over 65, have significantly increased from 1995-2006, despite a decline in publicly-funded treatment admissions for the general population. According to the California Alcohol and Drug Data System, treatment admissions for alcohol dependence doubled for youth under 18, increased nearly 10 percent for adults ages 51-55, and adults over 65 experienced a 44 percent increase.
Binge Drinking
About 21% of all adults in California, (5.8 million) are binge drinkers. Binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks for men, or four or more drinks for women, on the same occasion at least once during the past month. Over 2.2 million Californians met the criteria for alcohol dependence or abuse.
Dependence is based on the definition found in the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Binge drinking practices begin as early as the 8th grade, and tend to increase throughout adolescence before gradually decreasing after about age 22.
This problem is both a public health and a public safety issue, and as such a cause for concern to all Californians.
There are national and international acknowledgements that binge drinking is a serious problem.