Facts about alcohol-related problems Drinking during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects and is the leading known preventable cause of mental retardation. Since 1979, when the Centers for Disease Control began tracking the number of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome cases, the rate of FAS has jumped from one per 10,000 births to 6.7 per 10,000 births in 1993. Nearly one-fourth of all persons admitted to general hospitals have alcohol problems or are undiagnosed alcoholics being treated for the consequences of their drinking. Alcohol warning signs recognize that excessive alcohol consumption is America's costliest drug problem. Alcohol warning signs can contain valuable and accurate information about community alcohol health risks.
Warning signs help balance the glamorized view of drinking promoted in alcohol advertising.
Warning signs provide a low cost, effective means of educating the community.