At-risk alcohol use, also called hazardous drinking, occurs when heavy alcohol drinking increases your chance of having health problems. Alcohol is made up of a chemical called ethanol which may come from grains, or fruits, such as grapes. It is found in beer, wine, liquor, such as vodka and whiskey, and other adult drinks. Light to moderate drinking may give health benefits, such as a decreased risk for stroke and some heart diseases. Light to moderate drinking means having 1 to 2 drinks per day. One drink contains 12 grams of alcohol. "One drink" means one 12-ounce bottle of beer, or one 5-ounce glass of wine. One and one-half ounces (one jigger) of 90-proof distilled spirits is also thought of as "one drink."
With at-risk alcohol use, your age, gender, and the amount of alcohol you drink at one time are considered. You may be drinking regularly or all at once (binge drinking). In men, at-risk alcohol use is having more than 14 drinks per week, or more than four drinks at one time. For women, it is more than seven drinks per week, or more than three drinks at one time. At-risk alcohol use may lead to alcohol abuse or dependence. Treating at-risk alcohol use as soon as possible may prevent alcohol abuse and dependence, and improve your quality of life.
What causes at-risk alcohol use? Most people start drinking alcohol early during the teenage years and continue as adults. Drinking may be common when you are celebrating, feeling sad, or under stress. You may start drinking alcohol after physical or emotional stress, such as the loss of a loved one. You may also drink alcohol heavily to try to relieve your anxiety, depression (deep sadness), loneliness, or tension. It is your personal choice whether you should drink alcohol or not. Alcohol slows brain activity and decreases the sending of nerve signals (messages). Your emotions, thoughts, behavior, and judgment are affected as you get more and more drunk. The following are other possible causes and conditions which may increase your chance of having at-risk alcohol use:
Age: Drinking at an early age.
Family history: Having a close family member with a drinking problem.
Genetics: The make up of your genes. A gene is a little piece of information that tells your body what to do or what to make.
Sex: Men are more likely to become at-risk alcohol users than women.
Other diseases: Other mental disorders, such as an anti-social personality problem or depression.
Other substance abuse: Heavy cigarette smoking or use of illegal drugs.
What problems can at-risk alcohol use cause? Drinking more than the set safe limits of alcohol may cause trouble thinking clearly, understanding, or remembering things. You may often fight with others, overspend, drive under the influence (DUI), or have unsafe sex. At-risk alcohol use may also lead to any of the following:
Accidents at home or work, or while driving.
Health problems, such as liver or brain damage, tumors, or pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas).
Mothers who drink alcohol may cause problems, such as heart defects, to their babies while inside their wombs.
Serious relationship problems with your family, friends, and other people.
What are the signs and symptoms of at-risk alcohol use? Having problems with your relationships, school, or work are the first signs of at-risk alcohol use. You may become intoxicated (drunk) with drinking too much alcohol. You may also have any of the following:
Depression or anxiety.
Feeling more sleepy than usual, or having a hard time staying awake.
Frequent traumas, injuries, or accidents.
Pain in the abdomen especially in the epigastric area (above the belly button).
Problems with having sex, such as difficulty having an erection.
Trouble thinking clearly, understanding, or remembering things
Weight changes.
How is at-risk alcohol use diagnosed?
Your caregiver will take a detailed health history from you. This may include information on how much, how often, and what kind of alcohol you usually drink. He may also want to know if other family members have at-risk alcohol use or another substance abuse disorder. He may need to learn how well you are doing in school or at work. He may also want to know if you have problems with the law. You may have to take different tests or rating scales to learn more about your drinking problem. Blood, urine, saliva, or breath tests may also be done to check the amount of alcohol in your body.
You may be diagnosed with at-risk alcohol use if:
You drink alcohol heavily.
You have a close family member who has a drinking problem.
You have health, family, work, or legal problems related with alcohol use.
You were given a screening test and found to be an at-risk alcohol user.
How is at-risk alcohol use treated? The aim of treatment is to help you learn how to control or stop your drinking habits. Caregivers will also work with your family, friends, classmates, or co-workers so you may know how to cope with your at-risk alcohol use. For your safety and the safety of others, do not drive or operate machines if you are drunk. Ask someone who is sober to help you go home or take you to the nearest hospital. You may need any of the following:
Counseling: Your caregiver may give you a short talk about the harmful effects of drinking alcohol heavily. This may include encouraging you and helping you set goals to stop or control drinking alcohol. Your caregiver may also teach you about problems that may occur if at-risk alcohol use is not treated. He may set limits, such as one drink per day for women, and two drinks per day for men.
Medicines: Your caregiver may give you certain medicines to relieve your symptoms. These may include medicines to treat your intoxication, anxiety, or sleeping problems.
Glucose: This medicine may be given to increase the amount of sugar in your blood.
Mineral and vitamin supplements: Mineral and vitamin supplements, such as Vitamin B1 or thiamine, may be given. They may help prevent other alcohol-related conditions that may affect the brain.
Where can I find support and more information? Having at-risk alcohol use may be hard for you and your family. Accepting that you have at-risk alcohol use may be hard. Talk to your caregiver, family, or friends about your feelings. Your caregiver can help you and your family better understand how to support you. You and your family may also want to join a support group. This is a group of people who may also have at-risk alcohol use. Contact the following for more information:
Alcoholics Anonymous Web Address: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.
National Clearinghouse on Drug and Alcohol Information Phone: 1-800-7296686 Web Address: www.health.org
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
