Alcohol use

Alcohol depresses your breathing rate, heart rate, and the control mechanisms in your brain. The effects include:

Less ability to drive and perform complex tasks
Reduced inhibitions, which may lead to embarrassing behavior
Reduced attention span
Impaired short-term memory
Impaired motor coordination
Prolonged reaction time
Less rapid thought processes

If a pregnant woman drinks, alcohol can adversely affect the developing fetus causing birth defects or fetal alcohol syndrome (a devastating disorder marked by mental retardation and behavioral problems).

HEALTH RISKS

Alcohol increases the risks of:

Motor vehicle accidents
Falls, drownings, and other accidents
Suicide and homicide
increased risk for homicide
Risky sex behaviors, unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Fetal alcohol syndrome if a pregnant woman drinks
Alcoholism or alcohol dependence
Chronic liver disease
Head, neck, stomach, and breast cancers

WHEN ABUSE BECOMES DEPENDENCE

Individuals who consume alcohol (or live with individuals who consume alcohol) may want to seek help for themselves or loved ones if the following occur in association with drinking behavior:

Driving citations or accidents (DUI)
decreased interest or performance levels at work, school
Increased absenteeism from work, school
Increased social isolation
Increased tolerance to amount of alcohol consumed: more alcohol is needed to produce the same effect
Inability to decrease or stop alcohol consumption
Signs of withdrawal, such as tremors, appear when attempting to stop
Defensive or hostile about personal alcohol use
Lying or being secretive about alcohol use
Neglecting appearance
Neglecting proper nutrition
Involved in violence, either as perpetrator or victim

It is also important to remember that some individuals are at higher risk for alcoholism due to a family history of alcoholism, stressful lifestyles, peer or cultural influences, and psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, or even low self-esteem.

CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF

You are concerned about your personal alcohol use or that of a family member.
You are interested in more information regarding alcohol use, alcohol abuse, or support groups.
You are unable to reduce or stop your alcohol consumption, in spite of attempts to stop drinking.

Other resources include local Alcoholics Anonymous or Al-anon/alateen groups (see alcoholism - resources), public or private mental health agencies, school or work counselors, student or employee health centers, and local hospitals.