Alcohol is one of the oldest drugs known to humankind and one of the only addictive and euphoria (“high”) producing drug that can be legally purchased in the country without a prescription. Individuals must be at least 21 years of age to legally purchase or use alcohol in the country. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system; hence its use should be discouraged in situations where alertness is required, such as operating an automobile and other machinery, or prior to making important decisions. The use of alcohol also has health consequences involving many body organs and systems. Examples: in the brain, alcohol affects short-term memory, and in the liver, long-term use may cause cirrhosis – a fatal liver condition. Automobile accidents, and are common with alcohol use, and sudden death may result from alcohol intoxication.

Here is some interesting report from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the US Centers for Health Statistics (CHS) on the use of alcohol. This report is based on a survey of more than 68,000 adults over a 2-year period. Adult alcohol use in the country varies according to sex, age, income, education, ethnicity, and marital status.

Specific findings: (1). about 1 in 5 adults (20%) have five or more drinks a day during a given year. (2). 6% of men and 4% of women are classified as heavier drinkers – consuming two or more drinks per day for men, and more than one drink a day for women. 69% of men and 56% of women are likely to be current drinkers. (3). 30% of men and 12% of women have at least five drinks in every given day of the year. (4). 71% of adults aged 25- 44 years are the most likely to be current drinkers. (5). 36% of adults who are 75 years or older are the least likely to be current drinkers. (6). 72% percent of Whites, 65% percent of Hispanics, 57% of Blacks and 58% of Asians or Pacific Islanders are likely to be current drinkers. (7). 72% of White women, 40% percent of Black women, 40% of Hispanic Women, and 31% of Asian/Pacific Islanders are likely to be current drinkers. (8). 26% of GED recipients are more likely to be current drinkers than any other educational group. (9). 9% of adults who cohabitate (live together) are more likely to be heavier drinkers and only 4% of married adults are considered heavier drinkers.

Because alcohol-use can lead to serious health and safety problems, its use should be regulated and kept within normal limits. The normal drinking limit is defined as: no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks a day for men. A drink is equivalent to: a 12-ounce bottle of beer; a 5-ounce glass of wine; or 1 1/2-ounce shot of liquor.

To know if you have an “alcohol problem”, respond to the following questions:

• Do you drink alone when you feel angry or sad?
• Does your drinking ever make you late for work?
• Does your drinking worry your family?
• Do you ever drink after telling yourself you won't?
• Do you ever forget what you did while you were drinking?
• Do you get headaches or have a hang-over after you have been drinking?

If you answered "yes” to any of the above questions, you may have a drinking problem, and need to talk to your health care provider, of a drug counselor. Acknowledging that one has an alcohol problem is the first step to a successful recovery for a healthier body and a productive life.

For Questions, call (405) 744 6825.
For online access to Extension/Community Health Column, please check “articles” on the web at: http://www.fcs.okstate.edu/health/.