Alcohol problems mulled by Legislature

JUNEAU -- The Joint Legislative Health Caucus held a statewide teleconference Tuesday to discuss the effects of alcohol in the state. Rep. Sharon Cissna, D-Anchorage, and Sen. Donny Oslon, D-Nome, co-chaired the meeting, which included statements from a number of state agencies that deal with alcohol-related problems.

"Alcohol abuse has far reaching effects," Cissna said. "It is imperative that the Legislature have an in-depth understanding of the issues surrounding Alaska's relationship with alcohol."

Myra Casey, a field administrator for the state's Office of Children's Services, informed legislators present at the meeting that more than half of the office's abuse and neglect investigations find that one or more of the parents has problems with alcohol.

"Financially, it's a large cost [to the state]," Casey said. "More importantly, how do you figure the cost to these children?"

According to a press release from the Legislature, Alaska has the highest incidence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in the world. Diane Casto, a section manager for the Division of Behavioral Health, Section of Early Intervention, told the legislators at the caucus that the affects of drinking any amount of alcohol during pregnancy not only needed to be relayed to pregnant women, but also health care providers across the state.

"I think one of the first things that we have recognized is that there is an attitude in Alaska and the nation that drinking during pregnancy isn't that bad," Casto said.

Alaska ranks first in the nation in alcohol-related mortality. In the last five years, 48 percent of fire fatalities in the state had alcohol as a contributing factor; and numerous drivers are injured or killed by alcohol-related accidents. The Alaska State Troopers have introduced two programs to combat alcohol problems in the state. Here in the Valley, a four-member team dedicated to catching drunken drivers has made more than 100 driving-under-the-influence arrests since its conception in November 2003. AST has also introduced an additional five troopers in Bush Alaska to combat illegal alcohol distribution. In 2001, before the team was assembled, there were 96 distribution charges in the state. In 2003, two years into the grant-funded program, 280 arrests were made.

The hour-long caucus also went over the benefits of the Wellness Court in Anchorage, which deals with individuals suffering from mental illness, many of whom have alcohol problems. Most speakers spoke of the importance of changing how the public views people with alcohol problems. It is important, some said, to remember that, like with any disease, relapse can occur. Our culture does not judge the diabetic who breaks down and eats sugar, and should not judge someone who finds themselves battling with the bottle, it was noted.

"Unless we change the culture, we can't address the problem," said one speaker.