Alcohol

Headline Alcohol Consumption and Problems
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The first question is deliberately repeated from the Substance Abuse page

What is the most commonly abused substance?

Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance and the consequences of abuse are the most severe. These complications include neurologic, liver, lung and lung problems as well as an increased risk of cancer.

What is considered the “safe level” of alcohol consumption for men and women?

The safe level of alcohol consumption for women is one drink daily and no more than three drinks on one occasion. For men, the safe level is no more than two drinks daily or more than three on one occasion. A drink is defined as a twelve ounce beer, five ounce glass of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80 proof spirits. Imbibing greater quantities is considered excessive drinking. A person is dependent upon alcohol if they continue to drink despite problems with work, in relationships, or legal system

 

 

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What treatments are the for alcohol abuse?

If a patient is not at risk for acute withdrawal (DT’s), counseling is the mainstay of treatment. Three medications may be used to increase the success of counseling. Antabuse is used as aversive therapy.

If one drinks while taking this medication, they suffer unpleasant flushing. Acamprosate (Campral) and naltexone (Revia, Vivitrol) decrease the pleasant feelings or euphoria associated with drinking.

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