Alcohol Use

Alcoholism- cravings, physical dependence, loss of control, is a chronic disease; often cannot meet work, school or family responsibilities; drinks too much and too often; problems with depression, violence, accidents, social isolation, blackouts
Uncontrolled- can lead to alcoholism, risk of heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure, liver disease, interact harmfully with medications as sleeping pills, antidepressants, pain killers, medications for diabetes and high blood pressure
Controlled- drinking in moderation; female 1 drink per day, male 2 drinks per day
1 Drink- 12 ounces of beer or wine cooler, 5 ounces wine, 1.5 ounces of alcohol
Controlled if Alcoholic-STOP all cover-ups, quit making excuses, no accompanying to parties with alcohol, get support from families, friends, professional, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Alanon/Ala teen, National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug

Facts- 1 in 13 adults abuse alcohol, influenced by genes, environment, cannot be cured, can be successfully treated; overuse is called Substance Abuse, costly, many medical problems, is a physical and psychological dependence
Long Term- heavy drinking causes heart, liver, nerve and brain damage; high blood pressure, cancer, stomach problems, sexual problems, stomach problems

Pregnant Women- can cause harm to the baby, low birth weight, stillborn, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome/SIDS, preterm baby, birth defects
Driving- affects your reasoning skills and attention span, can cause useless accidents
Recovering Alcoholics- should not drink
Medical Conditions- High in Empty Calories, causes weight gain
Medication Interactions- talk with your Physician

See your Physician- ask about treatment, ask for help
See RD- for help as needed
See FFF RD- on line for help
Best Treatment- abstaining; talk with an alcoholic when they are calm and sober; National Drug and Alcohol Treatment at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for literature, speak to a counselor, local treatment