Marcus Fuller, a licensed clinical social worker, said some recent patterns show encouraging signs.
"What we've seen, which is a recent decrease in the frequency and quantity of alcohol use among women and young adults as well."
Fuller said alcohol misuse can still carry serious health risks when it becomes a coping mechanism.
"There are recognized health issues associated with that- that could be liver damage, that could be hypertension and heart disease, as well as opening yourself to different types of cancers."
Health experts say recognizing a problem early-either personally or through loved ones-is key to seeking help.
"When a person is now using alcohol as a way to cope with other challenges in their lives, we need support around that," Fuller said.
The Salvation Army is among the local organizations offering alcohol and drug rehabilitation services for adults. David Pierce, Salvation Army administrator for development, said the organization's residential program removes financial barriers for participants.
"Free housing, free food, free clothing, free counseling. Everything is free."
The six-month residential program serves up to 14 women and 89 men. Pierce said participants receive comprehensive care.
"So they come to our program, and we provide for all of their physical needs."
The program also includes spiritual renewal classes and family counseling. Pierce said those components are designed to interrupt destructive patterns tied to addiction.
"So what does the addictive mind say? ' go back to more alcohol, go back to more drugs. It solves the problem.' And then when you're out of it, it's created more so that cycle of destruction continues because of what it does in the individual's life."
Professionals say programs like these can help people break that cycle and move toward long-term stability. Fuller added that change does not always have to be drastic to make a difference.
"Even a small reduction in the consumption of alcohol use that a person engages in could reap positive health benefits."
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