Abuse of Alcohol
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
Alcohol abuse means you drink more than the recommended daily or weekly limits. You may be drinking alcohol regularly or drinking large amounts in a short period of time (binge drinking). You continue to drink even when it causes legal, work, or relationship problems.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:
- You have sudden chest pain or trouble breathing.
- You want to harm yourself or others.
- You have a seizure.
Seek care immediately if:
- You cannot stop vomiting or you vomit blood.
Call your doctor if:
- You have hallucinations (you see or hear things that are not real).
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Vitamin supplements may be given to treat low vitamin levels. Alcohol can make it hard for your body to absorb enough vitamins such as B1. Vitamin supplements may also be given to prevent alcohol-related brain damage.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Recommended alcohol limits:
One drink is defined as 12 ounces (oz) of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of liquor such as whiskey.
- Men 21 to 64 years should limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day. Do not have more than 4 drinks in 1 day or more than 14 in 1 week.
- All women, and men 65 or older should limit alcohol to 1 drink in a day. Do not have more than 3 drinks in 1 day or more than 7 in 1 week. Do not drink alcohol if you are pregnant.
Health problems alcohol abuse can cause:
- Cancer in your liver, pancreas, stomach, colon, kidney, or breast
- Stroke or a heart attack
- Liver, kidney, or lung disease
- Blackouts, memory loss, brain damage, or dementia
- Diabetes, immune system problems, or thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency
- Problems for you and your baby if you drink while pregnant
Manage alcohol use:
- Work with healthcare providers on goals to drink less. This can help prevent health problems. For example, you may start by planning your weekly alcohol use. It will be easier to have fewer drinks if you plan ahead.
- Have food when you drink alcohol. Food will prevent alcohol from getting into your system too quickly. Eat before you have your first alcohol drink.
- Time your drinks carefully. Have no more than 1 drink in an hour. Have a liquid such as water, coffee, or a soft drink between alcohol drinks.
- Do not drive if you have had alcohol. Plan ahead so you have a safe ride home. Make sure someone who has not been drinking can help you get home safely. Plan to use a taxi or other ride service, if needed.
- Do not drink alcohol if you are taking medicine. Alcohol is dangerous when you combine it with certain medicines, such as acetaminophen or blood pressure medicine. Talk to your healthcare provider about all the medicines you currently take.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
For support and more information:
- Alcoholics Anonymous
Web Address: http://www.aa.org
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
PO Box 2345
Rockville , MD 20847-2345
Web Address: http://www.samhsa.gov
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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.
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Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
