During the pandemic, alcohol consumption increased more than it has in the last 50 years. Alcohol related deaths have also been increasing, according to the National Institute of Health. 

In Oregon, six people die each day on average from alcohol related causes, according to the Oregon Health Authority. As the holiday season approaches, the state agency wants Oregonians to talk to their loved ones about excessive drinking. Tom Jeanne is the deputy state healthy officer and epidemiologist at the public health division of OHA. Mike Winer is the associate medical director at Hooper Detox Center in Portland and is an assistant professor in addiction medicine at OHSU. They both join us to share more on the increase in alcohol consumption in the state and share the best ways to navigate difficult conversations with loved ones about drinking.