Abuse Of Alcohol

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Alcohol abuse is defined as drinking too much alcohol regularly, or on single occasions (binge drinking). It is a condition where problems occur as you repeatedly drink alcohol too much and too often. Alcohol is made up of a chemical called ethanol. It is found in beer, wine, liquor, such as vodka and whiskey, and other adult drinks. With alcohol abuse, abnormal body changes develop, and you may not be able to think, act, or talk properly. These changes may make it hard to function in day-to-day activities at work, school, or home. Alcohol abuse may lead to alcohol dependence, which is a very serious drinking problem.
  
  
• Alcohol abuse is diagnosed if you regularly drink alcohol and you develop harmful changes or serious problems. You may be unable to do what is needed at home, work, or school. You may drive a vehicle after drinking, or have legal problems because of your drinking. You may also know that your drinking is causing or increasing personal or relationship problems. Symptoms must be present within a year, and not caused by other health problems. Treatment for alcohol abuse includes medicines, intravenous fluids, glucose, vitamin supplements, and oxygen. Your caregiver may also suggest that you have detoxification or other special therapy. Diagnosing and treating alcohol abuse as soon as possible may relieve your symptoms and prevent more serious problems.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Activity and rest: At first you may need to rest in bed and have plenty of sleep. You may also have to stay in evenly lit and quiet room. Loud noises, bright lights, or other disturbing things should be avoided while you are resting.

Self-care:

• Avoid drinking alcohol or limit the amount you drink: Set a goal for yourself to completely avoid drinking alcohol, or limit the amount and times that you drink.
  
  
• Avoid stress: Stress may make your alcohol abuse worse and cause other problems later. Learn ways to control stress and your unwanted behavior. Ask your caregivers for new ways to calm your body and mind. Talk to someone about things that upset you.
  
  
• Be patient and keep your hopes up for improvement. Be patient and not too hard on yourself. Always be the first one to encourage yourself and find ways to boost your self-esteem. Work together with your family and friends and give each other support. This will help during hard times. If you drink alcohol again, do not drive or operate machines. Ask someone who is sober to help you go home or bring you to the nearest hospital.
  
  
• Learn about new treatments that may help. New treatments and therapies to help those with alcohol abuse are being developed. Certain treatments may make a big difference to your quality of life. Talk to your caregiver before trying any new therapy or medicine.
  
  
• Learn more about alcohol abuse . The more you know about alcohol abuse, the better you will be able to help yourself. Ask your caregiver for good sources of information. Work with your caregiver and other people recovering from alcohol abuse to help yourself.

For support and more information: Alcohol abuse may be a life-changing condition for you and your family. Accepting that you have alcohol abuse 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 alcohol abuse. 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
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You cannot make it to your next meeting with your caregiver.
  
  
• You have new symptoms since the last time you visited your caregiver.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel like hurting yourself or someone else.
  
  
• You feel you cannot cope with your drinking problem.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing, chest pains, or a fast heartbeat.
  
  
• You passed out or had a seizure (convulsion).
  
  
• Your symptoms are coming back or getting worse.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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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