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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

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Australian Prescriber Vol. 25 No. 3 2002

Alcohol dependence

Drinking more than 28 drinks a week or four per day is bad for a man's health. Women should drink less than 14 drinks a week or two per day, as their tolerance to alcohol is lower.

People who drink a lot can become addicted to alcohol and become ill. They may not realise they have a drinking problem, but many people die each year from the effects of alcohol.

If the drinker wants to stop they need to change their lifestyle. They will also need the support of their family and friends to overcome their addiction. General practitioners can also assist and there are special services to help in every State.

Once they have stopped drinking some people may need to take a medicine to help them avoid starting again. Some medicines reduce the craving for alcohol while others make you sick if you drink. These medicines are not a cure and should only be used as part of a treatment program.