The Impact of the Normalization of Alcohol Use in Our Society

Let’s face it. We’re all exposed to and potentially influenced by what we see on social media. Individuals who are pregnant or who can become pregnant are no exception. Social media memes, Gifs and silly videos make it harder to discern fact from fiction when it comes to alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Misinformation mixed with humor about alcoholic beverages has increased during the pandemic, fueling the existing “wine mom” culture. Alcohol has been touted as a normal way to manage stress during these unprecedented times and we have seen a shift in state and local policies that increase access to alcohol, supporting the normalization of alcohol use in our society. All of which create a recipe for unhealthy drinking behaviors that can lead to prenatal alcohol exposure and have life-long impacts known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Please join Amy for an interactive presentation as we explore these concerns and discuss ways to address normalization in your community and state.

About the Presenter

Amy Hendricks has over thirty years of experience in the field of public health and prevention.  In 2010, an opportunity to combine her love of  maternal health and substance use prevention presented itself and Amy became the coordinator for the North Carolina Fetal Alcohol Prevention Program. In 2020, Amy moved the program to its new home, The Arc of North Carolina. Amy transitioned into the role as the FASD Prevention and Training Coordinator and is creating a statewide training team that will provide education to professionals that work with individuals of childbearing age about the prevention of alcohol-exposed pregnancies and the lifelong impacts of FASD. During this transition, the program partnered with a national organization and  became Proof Alliance NC. 

In her spare time, Amy creates funky art and jewelry, enjoys hearing live music with her husband and is the parent of two amazing sons and two fur babies.