6. Live Free of Dependence on Alcohol and Drugs
Get help to stop alcohol and drug abuse. Recovery is possible.
Most adults are able to drink safely, and many may benefit from moderate alcohol consumption. "Moderate" means no more than 1 or 2 drinks a day, and never more than 4. The beneficial health effects of moderate drinking include one-third less heart attack and stroke.
Heavy drinking can kill you, and some people (especially people under 21, pregnant women, and people who are driving) shouldn't drink at all. Alcohol and drug abuse are diseases that can be treated.
What to Do
Know How to Spot a Problem
If your drinking is worrying you, your family, or your friends, try the CAGE test. There may be a problem if the answer to any one of these questions is "yes". Have you ever:
- • Thought you should Cut down on drinking?
- • Become Annoyed when people criticize your drinking?
- • Felt scared, bad, or Guilty about your drinking?
- • Taken an Eye-opener drink to feel better in the morning?
You also may have a problem if you do any of the following things:
- • Drink alone, especially when you're angry or sad.
- • Arrive late for work or miss important appointments because of your drinking.
- • Drink after telling yourself you won't.
- • Forget what you did while you were drinking.
- • Get headaches or a hangover after drinking.
- • A man may have a drinking problem if he consumes more than 14 drinks a week, or 4 in one sitting.
- • A woman may have a drinking problem if she consumes more than 7 drinks a week, or 3 in one sitting.
Some People Shouldn't Drink
- • Anyone under legal drinking age.
- • Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
- • Anyone who is driving.
Recovery is possible.
- • For a substance abuser, admitting the
problem is often very difficult. This is called "denial," and is
characteristic of the disease.
- • Attempts to get and stay clean and sober,
even with relapses, eventually become building blocks for a new life in
recovery.
- • People in recovery often need ongoing support. Many treatment options are available - speak with a doctor or substance abuse counselor.
For more information talk to your doctor or call 1-800-LifeNet (1-800-543-3638), (1-877-AYUDESE en Espanõl; 1-877-990-8585 for Chinese callers), or call 311 and ask for LifeNet.
Additional Information and Tools
Related Publications
