Alcohol creates a physical dependence in the drinker, and withdrawal can
be life-threatening. So when an alcoholic is being withdrawn from alcohol,
medication may be necessary. In the long term, however, there is no
medication that has been shown to be effective in "curing"
alcoholism.
Does alcoholism treatment work?: - This depends on the type of treatment.
In general terms, the longer the treatment the better. Not all types of
treatment are equally effective.
Currently, most centers use the 12 step philosophy in treating alcoholism
and addiction. Unfortunately, this is not a program that works for everyone.
Alternative forms of treatment are becoming more popular and in many cases
are more effective. Statistically, the longer a person is in treatment, the
better his chances of remaining sober.
Who is likely to become alcoholic?: - Nearly 14 million people in the
United States--1 in every 13 adults--abuse alcohol or are alcoholic.
However, more men than women are alcohol dependent or experience
alcohol-related problems. In addition, rates of alcohol problems are highest
among young adults ages 18-29 and lowest among adults 65 years and older.
How can you tell whether you or someone close to you has alcoholism?: - A
good first step is to answer the brief questionnaire below, developed by Dr.
John Ewing.
- Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
- Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your
nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
One "yes" answer suggests a possible alcohol problem. More than
one "yes" answer means it is highly likely that a problem exists.
If you think that you or someone you know might have an alcohol problem, it
is important to see a doctor or other health provider right away. He or she
can determine whether a drinking problem exists and, if so, suggest the best
course of action.
If I have trouble with drinking, can't I simply reduce my alcohol use
without stopping altogether?: - That depends. If you are diagnosed as an
alcoholic, the answer is "no." Studies show that nearly all
alcoholics who try to merely cut down on drinking are unable to do so
indefinitely. Instead, cutting out alcohol (that is, abstaining) is nearly
always necessary for successful recovery. However, if you are not alcoholic
but have had alcohol-related problems, you may be able to limit the amount
you drink.
What is a safe level of drinking?: - Most adults can drink moderate
amounts of alcohol--up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day
for women and older people--and avoid alcohol-related problems. (One drink
equals one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of
wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.)
However, certain people should not drink at all. They include women who
are pregnant or trying to become pregnant; people who plan to drive or
engage in other activities requiring alertness and skill; people taking
certain medications, including certain over-the-counter medicines; people
with medical conditions that can be worsened by drinking; recovering
alcoholics; and people under the age of 21.
Is it safe to drink during pregnancy?: - No. Drinking during pregnancy
can have a number of harmful effects on the newborn, ranging from mental
retardation, organ abnormalities, and hyperactivity to learning and
behavioral problems. Moreover, many of these disorders last into adulthood.
While we don't yet know exactly how much alcohol is required to cause these
problems, we do know that they are 100-percent preventable if a woman does
not drink at all during pregnancy. Therefore, for women who are pregnant or
are trying to become pregnant, the safest course is to abstain from alcohol.
