Doctors are seeing more than just liver disease as a consequence of heavy alcohol use. Every major organ in your body (including your brain) can also suffer and the need for more women to cut back is urgent!
A nightly glass of wine to unwind can escalate into a habit and then a routine. While society may dismiss the idea that this is problematic, this is alcohol abuse.
Dr. David Persse, City of Houston Health Authority, explained the difference between common drinking disorders: binge drinking and heavy drinking.
Binge drinking for women is more than four drinks at one time and for men it’s more than five drinks at one time.
Heavy drinking is more than eight drinks a week for women and more than 15 drinks a week for a man.
The risks of heavy drinking include an increased risk of cancer, dementia, falls, heart and liver conditions, and a syndrome that can lead to encephalopathy and psychosis (WKS).
“Wernicke Syndrome (WKS) is characterized in particular by motor difficulties. So, difficulty walking, falling over or losing one’s balance, as well as some mental confusion,” said psychologist Joseph Schacht.
Despite previous studies that encourage red wine for antioxidants, the World Health Organization stands firm that no amount of alcohol is safe for our health.
Additionally, alcohol-related deaths are rising faster in women than men, particularly for those 65 and older.
“Social science would make you think that it’s a male-oriented sort of problem. I mean, for many years, it was,” Persse explained. “We see a lot of excessive drinking problems in women as well.”
Getting help can be as easy as mentioning wanting to cut back to your primary care doctor or experimenting with apps designed for “mindful drinking” which is logging a goal of a limited number of drinks per week.
The good news is, there are treatments, medication and counseling to help you drink less or quit entirely. If caught early, some health complications can be reversed.
There is a National Helpline for individuals and family members facing substance abuse or mental health issues. It offers referrals and support at 800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA’s National Helpline | SAMHSA
In this AARP article, Austin Lin, who is psychiatrist with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, said “You can be a high-functioning alcoholic.” Click here to see the 9 warning signs you may have a drinking problem.