State of Illinois
Department of Human Services
We Ask Everyone About Alcohol
The Illinois SBIRT Initiative - Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment
Did You Know?
Mixing prescriptions with alcohol or over-the-counter drugs can be dangerous?
- It can cause a drop in heart rate and breathing
- Risk of overdose and death increases
What to expect when cutting back or quitting drinking alcohol:
- Change takes time
- You may have some withdrawal symptoms
- You will need support
You don't have to do this alone:
- Your doctor or behavioral health specialist can help you set up a plan
- Contact your doctor if you are having any medical concerns
How can I learn more?
Visit this helpful website: www.drugabuse.gov
What is considered one drink?
One drink, or one standard drink is the same as a
12 ounce beer, 1.5 ounces of liquor, or a 5 ounce glass of wine.
If you drink alcohol, follow this chart to drink at low risk levels.
If you drink more than these amounts, you risk developing problems due to alcohol risk
Men
No more than 4 drinks per day
No more than 14 drinks per week
Women
No more than 3 drinks per day
No more than 7 drinks per week
Some people should not drink at all, including:
- Women who are pregnant
- People who plan to drive or engage in activities that require alertness and skill
- People taking certain medications
- People with certain medical conditions
- Recovering Alcoholics
- Anyone under the age of 21
Effects of Alcohol
HEAD
- Headache
- Memory loss
- Hangovers
Throat
* Cancer
LUNGS
- Increase in infections
- Increased risk of pneumonia
HANDS
- Trembling hands
- Tingling fingers
REPRODUCTIVE?SYSTEM
Men:
* Decrease in sexual performance
Women:
- Infertility
- Change of menstrual cycle
- If pregnant: risk of miscarriage, stillborn baby, or premature
FEET
FEELINGS/CONSEQUENCES
- Nervousness
- Depression
- Arguments with family and friends
- Anxiety/Restlessness
- Cravings for alcohol
HEART
- Weakness of heart muscle
- Heart failure
LIVER
STOMACH
- Bleeding
- Burning
- Severe Swelling
- Vomiting/Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Malnutrition
- Ulcers
LEGS
* Impaired sensation leading to falls
Symptoms of excessive alcohol use:
- Hangovers
- Slow reaction times
- Poor Coordination
- Blurry or double vision
- Upset stomach
- Low blood pressure
- Anxiety/restlessness
- Memory loss
- Overdose, coma, or death
Something to try:
Community Resources:
Behavioral Specialist:
Name ________________________________
Contact ______________________________
Name ________________________________Contact _____________________________
Useful Websites/Literature:
Thanks to the Indiana Prevention Resource Center for sharing their original brochure with us. This publication was made possible by Grant Number TI23455 from the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.
Programs, activities and employment opportunities in the Illinois Department of Human Services are open and accessible to any individual or group without regard to age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin or religion. The department is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action and reasonable accommodation programs.
DHS 4551 (N-08-15) SBIRT?Alcohol Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois. PO #15-2101 1000 copies