Buddhism and Alcohol Recovery - HEALTH RISKS OF ALCOHOL

Alcohol increases the risk of:

• Alcoholism
• Falls, drownings, and other accidents
• Head, neck, stomach, colon, breast, and other cancers
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Risky sex behaviors, unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Suicide and homicide

Drinking during pregnancy can harm the developing baby. Severe birth defects or fetal alcohol syndrome are possible.

RESPONSIBLE DRINKING

If you drink alcohol, it is best to do so in moderation. Moderation means the drinking is not getting you intoxicated (or drunk) and you are drinking no more than 1 drink per day if you are a woman and no more than 2 if you are a man. A drink is defined as 12 ounces (350 milliliters) of beer, 5 ounces (150 milliliters) of wine, or 1.5 ounces (45 milliliters) of liquor.

Here are some ways to drink responsibly, provided you do not have a drinking problem, are of legal age to drink alcohol, and are not pregnant:

• Never drink alcohol and drive a car.
• If you are going to drink, have a designated driver, or plan an alternative way home, such as a taxi or bus.
• DO NOT drink on an empty stomach. Snack before and while drinking alcohol.

If you are taking medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, check with your health care provider before drinking alcohol. Alcohol can make the effects of many medicines stronger. It can also interact with other medicines, making them ineffective or dangerous or make you sick.

If alcohol use runs in your family, you may be at increased risk of developing this disease yourself. So, you may want to avoid drinking alcohol altogether.

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 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
• Local hospitals
• Public or private mental health agencies
• School or work counselors
• Student or employee health centers