Abuse Of Alcohol

What is alcohol abuse?

Alcohol abuse is when you drink large amounts of alcohol often to change your mood or behavior (actions). Alcohol abuse may also be called ethanol abuse.

What puts me at risk for alcohol abuse?

You are more likely to abuse alcohol if you are a man. You also may be at risk for alcohol abuse if:

• Alcoholism runs in your family. Alcoholism is a harmful disease that makes you crave alcohol. You drink more than is safe, even if it makes you sick. Alcoholism causes you to crave alcohol so much that you cannot stop drinking.
  
  
• You drink dangerous amounts of alcohol. Men should not have more than 2 drinks a day. Women should not have more than 1 drink a day. A drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or one and one-half ounces of liquor. Binge drinking is when you have a large amount of alcohol in a short time. For men, binge drinking is more than 4 drinks. For women, it is more than 3 drinks.
  
  
• You smoke, or you use illegal drugs.
  
  
• You have been abused or have mental health problems. Mental health problems include mood disorders, such as depression. You are more likely to abuse alcohol if you think it will help you feel better emotionally.
  
  
• You start to drink alcohol between the ages of 16 and 24. You are more likely to develop an addiction to alcohol if you start drinking when you are young. You will need to drink more alcohol over time to get the same effects. This puts you at risk of developing alcoholism.

What are the physical signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse?

• Blackouts or seizures.
  
  
• Fast heartbeats, an increased body temperature, and slow breaths. Your heartbeat may later slow and your body temperature may drop below normal.
  
  
• Loss of balance. You may not be able to walk straight or stand still. You may fall easily.
  
  
• Loss of feeling (numbness). You may injure yourself and not realize it. You may not remember how it happened.
  
  
• Slurred or fast speech.
  
  
• Stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. You may have blood in your vomit.
  
  
• Trouble sleeping.
  
  
• Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes.
  
  
• Large, swollen abdomen.

What behaviors are common with alcohol abuse?

• Continued heavy drinking even when it causes problems with your relationships. You also continue to drink even after you hurt yourself many times.
  
  
• Decreased ability to solve problems.
  
  
• Quick mood changes. You may act out violently and impulsively (done without thinking first).
  
  
• Risky sexual behavior. For example, you have sex that is not protected, or you have sex with many people.
  
  
• Trouble with work or school because you drink too much alcohol. For example, you have many absences or do not finish your work.

How is alcohol abuse diagnosed?

Your caregiver will examine you. He will ask how much, how often, and what kind of alcohol you drink. He may ask questions to test your memory and judgment. He may also check your balance when you stand or walk. You may need other tests or rating scales to help caregivers learn more about your drinking habits. A rating scale tells your caregiver how much you drink in a day or week. You may be checked for any injuries, infection, or signs of alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal is when you become ill because you stopped drinking suddenly. Ask your caregiver for more information about alcohol withdrawal. The following tests may also be done:

• Psychiatric assessment: Caregivers will ask if you have a history of psychological trauma, such as physical, sexual, or mental abuse. They will ask if you were given the care that you needed. Caregivers will ask you if you have been a victim of a crime or natural disaster, or if you have a serious injury or disease. They will ask you if you have seen other people being harmed, such as in combat. You will be asked if you drink alcohol or use drugs at present or in the past. Caregivers will ask you if you want to hurt or kill yourself or others. How you answer these questions can help caregivers decide on treatment. To help during treatment, caregivers will ask you about such things as how you feel about it and your hobbies and goals. Caregivers will also ask you about the people in your life who support you.
  
  
• Neurologic exam: This is also called neuro signs, neuro checks, or neuro status. A neurologic exam can show caregivers how well your brain works after an injury or illness. Caregivers will check how your pupils (black dots in the center of each eye) react to light. They may check your memory and how easily you wake up. Your hand grasp and balance may also be tested.
  
  
• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to test the amount of alcohol. It can also show if you have decreased levels of vitamins and electrolytes (body salts) in your body. The blood can be taken from a blood vessel in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. You may need to have blood drawn more than once.
  
  
• Urine sample: A sample of your urine is collected and sent to a lab to test for alcohol.
  
  
• Chest x-ray: This is a picture of your lungs and heart. Caregivers may use the x-ray to look for signs of infection, such as pneumonia.
  
  
• Electrocardiogram: This test is also called an EKG. An EKG helps caregivers look for damage or problems in different areas of the heart. Sticky pads are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. Each sticky pad has a wire that is attached to a machine or TV-like screen. A short period of electrical activity in your heart muscle is recorded.
  
  
• Computed tomography scan: This is also called a CT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your brain. It is used to look for damage caused by alcohol abuse. You may be given dye before the pictures are taken. The dye is usually given in your IV. The dye helps tissues, bones, and blood vessels show up more clearly. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell the caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, or have other allergies or medical conditions.

What medicines are used to treat alcohol abuse?

You may receive medicines to help reduce your craving for alcohol. You may also have the following:

• Sedative: This medicine is given to help you stay calm and relaxed.
  
  
• Antinausea medicine: This medicine may be given to calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
  
  
• Glucose: This medicine may be given to increase the amount of sugar in your blood.
  
  
• Vitamin supplement: Alcohol can make it hard for your body to absorb enough vitamin B1. You may be given vitamin B1 if your body does not have enough. It is also given to prevent alcohol related brain damage.

What treatments or therapies are used to treat alcohol abuse?

• Brief intervention therapy: A caregiver meets with you to discuss ways to control your risky behaviors, such as drinking and driving. This therapy also helps you set goals to decrease the amount of alcohol you drink.
  
  
• Breathing support: You may need the following if you have had so much alcohol that you cannot breathe well on your own:
  
  
  • Oxygen: You may need extra oxygen if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your caregiver before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.
    
    
  • Ventilator: This is a machine that gives you oxygen and breathes for you when you cannot breathe well on your own. An endotracheal (ET) tube is put into your airway through your mouth or nose. You may need a trach if an ET tube cannot be placed. A trach is an airway tube put into an incision (cut) in the front of your neck. The ET tube or trach is attached to the ventilator.

Where can I find support and more information?

• Alcoholics Anonymous
  Web Address: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.
  

When should I contact my caregiver?

Contact your caregiver if:

• You need help to stop drinking alcohol.
  
  
• You have trouble with work or school because you drink too much alcohol.
  
  
• You get into fights because of alcohol.
  
  
• You have questions about your condition or care.

When should I seek immediate care?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You have sudden chest pain or trouble breathing.
  
  
• You think you had a seizure.
  
  
• You feel sad or angry enough to harm yourself or others.
  
  
• You have hallucinations. This means you see, hear, feel, or taste things that are not real.
  
  
• You cannot stop vomiting.
  
  
• You have been in an accident.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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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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