Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital

Hines Helpful Tips

If you choose to drink alcohol, drink in moderation (women no more than 1 drink a day; men no more than 2 drinks a day). Avoid "binge drinking." If you are concerned about your drinking, talk to your VA health care team about getting help.

• For many adults, drinking small amounts of alcohol does not cause serious health problems.
• However, too much alcohol use or binge drinking can lead to higher risk of health problems, such as liver damage or injuries.

Injuries. Alcohol is a factor in about 60% of fatal burn injuries, drownings, and homicides; 50% of severe trauma injuries and sexual assaults; and 40% of fatal motor vehicle crashes, suicides, and fatal falls.

Health problems. Heavy drinkers have a greater risk of liver disease, heart disease, sleep disorders, depression, stroke, bleeding from the stomach, sexually transmitted infections from unsafe sex, and several types of cancer. They may have problems managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and other conditions.

Birth defects. Drinking during pregnancy can cause brain damage and other serious problems in the baby.

Alcohol use disorders. In the United States, about 18 million people have an alcohol use disorder.

If you or someone you know has difficulty controlling alcohol intake, contact your primary care provider. Other resources such as 1-800-662-HELP can provide you with information on treatment programs in your area and will allow you to speak with someone about alcohol problems.

More Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/FAQS.htm *
• Medline Plus http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001944.htm *
• Strategies for Cutting Down http://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/Strategies/TipsToTry.asp *
• Alcohol and Men’s Health http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/mens-health.htm *
• Alcohol and Women’s Health http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochurewomen/women.htm *
• Alcohol Use and Older Adults http://nihseniorhealth.gov/alcoholuse/toc.html *
• Support for Quitting http://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/Support/ChooseYourApproach.asp *
  
  

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