Anyone can have a drinking problem - teenagers, senior citizens, men, women. In fact, nearly 17.6 million adults in the U.S. are alcoholics or have alcohol problems. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 75,000 deaths in the U.S. are attributable to excessive alcohol.
The important thing is to recognize the problem and get help as soon as possible. Alcohol can destroy your life in many ways: your health, your home life, your job and your relationships.
Alcohol and your health In the short term, too much alcohol can negatively affect your concentration and coordination, alter mood, disrupt sleep and impair judgment.
Over time, heavy drinking and binge drinking can lead to increased risk of health problems as well as unintentional injuries. Heavy drinking is defined as more than 2 drinks per day for men and more than 1 drink per day for women. Binge drinking is more than 4 drinks on a single occasion for men and more than 3 drinks on a single occasion for women. Health risks include:
- Liver problems - alcohol abuse can cause inflammation of the liver (alcoholic hepatitis) and scarring of the liver (cirrhosis)
- Cancer - heavy drinking has been linked to a higher risk of certain cancers including those of the mouth, throat, esophagus, colon and breast
- Nutrient deficiencies - alcohol can affect your body's ability to absorb B vitamins, especially thiamine and folic acid. Alcohol also leaches the B vitamins out of your body
- Birth defects - drinking during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome
- Cardiovascular problems - drinking can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.
Alcohol and medications
As people age, they often become more sensitive to alcohol's effects. Of particular concern is the mixing of medications and alcohol. This can have many ill effects including dizziness, drowsiness, changes in blood pressure, increased risk for overdose, changes in blood sugar, fainting, memory loss and more.
If you are taking any medications, talk with your health care provider about them and how they may interact with alcohol. Also, be sure to carefully read labels on all medications and follow the directions.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, part of the National Institutes of Health, recommends that people over age 65 who choose to drink have no more than one drink per day.
Amount Approximate percentage of alcohol
Beer or cooler 12 ounces 5%
Malt liquor 8-9 ounces 7%
Table wine 5 ounces 12%
Fortified wine
(such as sherry or port) 3-4 ounces 17%
Cordial, liqueur or aperitif 2-3 ounces 24%
Brandy
(a single jigger) 1.5 ounces 40%
Spirits
(a single jigger of 80-proof
gin, vodka, whiskey, etc.)
1.5 ounces 40%
Do you have a drinking problem?
If you suspect you have a drinking problem, answer the questions below. If you answer "yes" to any of them, you may indeed have a problem. Talk to your health care provider as soon as possible.
- Do you drink alone when you feel angry or sad?
- Does your drinking ever make you late for work?
- Does your drinking worry your family?
- Do you ever drink after telling yourself you won't?
- Do you ever forget what you did while you were drinking?
- Do you get headaches or have a hang-over after you have been drinking?
Source: How to Cut Down on Your Drinking, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health
Treatment options
The good news is that there are many treatment options and resources to help deal with drinking problems.
- National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 1-800-729-6686
- The National Drug and Treatment Referral Routing Service 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator (findtreatment.samhsa.gov)
- Alcoholics Anonymous (www.aa.org)
- Adult Children of Alcoholics (www.adultchildren.org) Your health care provider can suggest the treatment options that are right for you.
This could include individual or group counseling, detoxification programs or prescription medications. Alcohol Awareness Month is a great time to evaluate your alcohol intake. Are you drinking too much? Admitting you have a problem is the critical first step. Once you've acknowledged the problem, there are caring people that are ready and willing to help you overcome it!
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, these signs and symptoms may indicate an alcohol or medication-related problem:
- Memory trouble after having a drink or taking medicine
- Loss of coordination (walking unsteadily, frequent falls)
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Unexplained bruises
- Being unsure of yourself
- Irritability, sadness, depression
- Unexplained chronic pain
- Changes in eating habits
- Wanting to stay alone a lot of the time
- Failing to bathe or keep clean
- Having trouble finishing sentences
- Having trouble concentrating
- Difficulty staying in touch with family or friends
• Lack of interest in usual activities.
Thanks
French Montreville
fmontreville@yahoo.com
1-617-487-4340
http://www.myempoweringteam.ws/
French S. Montreville, Independent TriVita Business Affiliate, Trivita ID# 13011183
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