How to Quit Drinking Alcohol in Detroit

Nov 29

The holidays are just around the corner. It’s that time of year we catch up with good friends and loved ones. As we are celebrating, it is important that we safely enjoy our alcoholic beverages. It is also imperative to be transparent with your doctor about the amount of your alcohol consumption as we will discuss more below, can greatly impact your physical health causing chronic ailments like heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver disease. Excessive alcohol use can also be associated with mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety.

What does it mean to be above the legal limit for drinking?

According to the CDC, all states in the United States have adopted a blood alcohol content percentage (BAC) 0.08% as the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle for drivers aged 21 years or older. However, drivers younger than 21 are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle with any level of alcohol in their system.

Legal limits are measured using either a blood alcohol test or a breathalyzer.
Legal limits are typically defined by state law, and may vary according to individual characteristics, such as age and occupation.

What is one “drink” according to the CDC?

12-ounces of beer (5% alcohol content).
8-ounces of malt liquor (7% alcohol content).
5-ounces of wine (12% alcohol content).
1.5-ounces (1 shot glass) of liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, whiskey).

What are the current recommendations for alcohol use?

With the holidays approaching, it is important to drink alcohol in moderation. This means 1 drink per day for women, and 2 drinks per day for men. These recommendations should adhere to the one “drink” standard described above. This means that wine glasses should not be filled to the brim! It is always important to keep in mind that with certain medications interact with alcohol use, including sleeping pills, muscle relaxers or other sedative medications that may make you drowsy. Always be sure to consult your physician and check your prescription bottle for recommendations in regards to alcohol consumption.

Guidelines for Excessive Drinking

According to the CDC, binge drinking includes 4 alcoholic beverages for women, or 5 for men, in a two-hour period. Heavy drinking is considered 8+ drinks per week for women, or 15+ drinks per week for men. Any drinking by a pregnant women or individual under the age of 21 is considered excessive.

What are signs of Alcohol Use Disorder?

Some of the signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder could include:

Inability to limit drinking.
Continuing to drink despite personal or professional problems.
Needing to drink more to get the same effect.
Wanting a drink so badly you can’t think of anything else.

Health Risks of Alcohol Use

According to the CDC, there are short-term and long-term health risks associated with heavy alcohol use.

Short-Term Health Risks

Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that increase the risk of many harmful health conditions. These are most often the result of binge drinking and include the following:

Injuries, car crashes, falls, drowning, and burns.
Violence, including homicide, suicide, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence.
Alcohol poisoning, a medical emergency that results from high blood alcohol levels.
Risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. These behaviors can result in unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
Miscarriage and stillbirth or fetal alcohol syndrome disorder among pregnant women.

Long-Term Health Risks

Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including:

High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.
Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon.
Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance.
Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
Social problems, including lost productivity, family problems, and unemployment.
Alcohol dependence, or alcoholism.

Signs of Alcohol Withdrawal

After discontinuing alcohol use, within the first 2-4 days days it is possible to have several symptoms including, shakiness, sweating, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headaches and a fast heart rate (also known as tachycardia). More serious symptoms include delirium tremens (DT), seizures and death. Any withdrawal from alcohol should be monitored by your healthcare provider as these symptoms may occur.

Resources for Alcohol Use

Substance Abuse and mental health services’ (SAMHSA) National Helpline number, open 24/7 365 days, 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

For more information on how you can safely consume alcohol this winter, please visit the CDC.