SBIRT Initiative We Ask Everyone About Alcohol - IDHS 4551

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

  • Numbness
  • Tingling Toes

FEELINGS/CONSEQUENCES

  • Nervousness
  • Depression
  • Arguments with family and friends
  • Anxiety/Restlessness
  • Cravings for alcohol

HEART

  • Weakness of heart muscle
  • Heart failure

LIVER

  • Cirrhosis
  • Scarring

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