Alcohol Abuse: Unsafe in Any Season

Office parties, family gatherings — festive drinks abound this time of year. But when does having a good time cross over into problem drinking? One recent study found that almost one in 10 adults on Medicare regularly drinks too much alcohol.

Over time, drinking too much can damage your liver, your heart, and your brain. It also can impair your immune system. Excessive drinking is associated with certain cancers. The strain of heavy drinking will predispose you to a myriad of other physical problems.

"Alcohol abuse is particularly problematic for older adults," says Peter Q. Harris, M.D., Ph.D., chairman of Psychiatry at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. "People have a hard time believing that older individuals abuse alcohol. Yet for many, being increasingly alone with little socialization leads to progressive drinking.

"A glass of wine can lead to two. You can start drinking earlier in the day. When wine no longer provides relief, people switch to harder liquor such as vodka. The progressive use of alcohol is compounded by the fact that the aging process changes how the body handles alcohol. You could be more sensitive to the effects of drinking now than when you were younger."

Plus, Dr. Harris adds that alcohol can interact with your prescription or over-the-counter medications, resulting in confusion, unsteadiness and falling, nausea and vomiting, liver problems, bleeding, and even death. As alcohol replaces other foods, you can become seriously malnourished. Since alcohol and tobacco frequently go hand in hand, one compounds the harmful effects of the other.

Do Yo u Have a Drinking Problem?
Sometimes, the person who abuses alcohol is the last to know. If you or a loved one can answer yes to one of these questions, Dr. Harris recommends discussing alcohol use with a doctor.

• Do you typically have more than onedrink per day?
• Have you ever felt like you should drink less?
• Do you drink because you feel sad or to forget about your troubles?
• Have you hurt yourself or someone else while drinking?
• Have you felt guilty or lied about your drinking?
• Do you feel as if you need a drink first thing in the morning?
• Are you annoyed when others criticize your drinking?

How to Get Help
Alcohol abuse and dependence can be treated. "Talking with your doctor is the first step," says Dr. Harris. "He or she may recommend counseling, medications, a residential treatment facility, or participation in support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous."

If you are diagnosed as an alcoholic, you will need to stop drinking completely. Going back to "social drinking" rarely works. If you have a drinking problem but are not dependent on alcohol, your doctor may advise cutting back on your alcohol use. Try these tips:

• Set goals. Keep track of your drinks on an index card in your wallet.
• Pace and space. Sip alcoholic beverages slowly, and alternate them with water or juice.
• Know your "no." Plan ahead on how you will refuse a drink you don't want.

About The Doctor

Harris, Peter Q., M.D. Board certified in Psychiatry Neptune, NJ  07753 (732) 455-3870