GREEN BAY and LA CROSSE, Wis. — In the Midwest, social gatherings often revolve around or include alcohol. From tailgating and concerts to family celebrations and traditions, a strong drinking culture may be affecting our communities in ways that go beyond the surface, which includes the degradation of our mental health.

Emplify Health experts are encouraging community members to take a closer look at how alcohol shapes individual behaviors and the fabric of our social connections.

“Alcohol culture can normalize heavy drinking to the point where it becomes invisible,” explains Dr. Tara Robertson, Emplify Health by Bellin Clinical Psychologist. “With that, we can see impacts from increased anxiety and depression to relationship strain and social isolation. When drinking is expected, it can make people feel pressure to drink. It can also make people who don’t drink feel left out or judged. This dynamic can impact individual mental health as well as ripple through families and entire communities.”

The good news? Communities have the power to shift this narrative by refocusing on what brings people together.

“Creating inclusive social spaces doesn’t have to mean eliminating alcohol entirely – it means changing the focus,” says Emplify Health by Gundersen Population Health Integration Partner, Katie Young. “When we plan gatherings, we can make sure there are non-alcoholic options and center activities around connection and conversation rather than drinking. Shifting the attention away from what someone is (or isn’t) drinking can be a small change that makes everyone feel welcome. It sends a powerful message that what matters most is being together.”

Changing alcohol culture starts with awareness and intentional choices. By recognizing how deeply ingrained drinking may be in their social relationships, community members can begin to create new traditions that prioritize health, inclusion and real connection.

If you want to know how alcohol might affect your mental health, relationships or overall health, talk to your healthcare provider. Having an open conversation about your relationship with alcohol is an important step toward making choices that support your health and happiness.

Additional support and information on behavioral health services may be found through Emplify Health by Bellin at www.bellin.org or Emplify Health by Gundersen at www.gundersenhealth.org.