This week, Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Howard Becker about heavy alcohol use and health risks. Dr. Becker is a Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry and Director of the Charleston Alcohol Research Center at MUSC and a Senior Research Career Scientist at the Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center.
TRANSCRIPT:
Conner: I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio with Health Focus here at the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Drinking too much alcohol can have a serious impact on various aspects of your health. Doctor Howard Becker is here to talk about alcohol and health risks. Doctor Becker is a Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry and Director of the Charleston Alcohol Research Center at MUSC, and a Senior Research Career Scientist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. Doctor Becker put this in perspective for us, how prevalent is heavy drinking in the US?
Dr. Becker: The latest estimates indicate that about 10% of the adult population in the US suffer with alcohol use disorder, and over 175,000 people die each year due to alcohol related causes. And it's been suggested that up to one fifth of all opiate overdose deaths can be attributed to the use of alcohol, along with prescription opiates. And, over the last decade, there is increasing concern over a rise in heavy drinking in women as well as in the 65 and older population.
Conner: What are the health risks associated with regular or heavy alcohol consumption.
Dr. Becker: Heavy alcohol consumption is known to be a significant risk factor for over 200 different diseases. Heavy alcohol drinking can lead to a number of diseases in the gastrointestinal system that includes the esophagus, the stomach, pancreas. Of course, the dangers of alcohol related liver disease. There are problems associated with cardiovascular function, bone, muscle and of course, it compromises brain function, leading to a number of other mental disorders. It's also been shown to be associated as an increased risk for a number of different cancers. That's why it's very important for everyone to evaluate their drinking behavior, particularly now around the holiday season.
Conner: What amount of drinking can lead to increased risk of some of these health problems?
Dr. Becker: Well, it's difficult to come up with a precise amount of alcohol that is known to produce increased risk for all these medical complications I just mentioned. Heavy drinking can be defined as five or more drinks a day for men and four or more drinks for women.
Conner: If someone realizes they have a problem with alcohol and they want to make a change to reduce or stop drinking, what's a good first step?
Dr. Becker: Well, the most important thing, of course, is to seek help. There are a number of ways you can go about this. A number of people will talk to their primary care providers, could be nurses. There are addiction specialists. And there are a whole host of clinics statewide where you don't even need a referral. You can just walk in and be able to address your concerns.
Conner: Are there effective medications available that can also help reduce alcohol craving or help curb the use of alcohol in some way?
Dr. Becker: Yes, there are three FDA approved medications for alcohol use disorder. One is naltrexone and is also an injectable, long lasting form of that medication. Another one is acamprosate campral, and the third one is antabuse. And the Alcohol Research Center at MUSC is especially focused on understanding not only brain mechanisms that underlie the disorder, but developing new medications that can improve the lives of those suffering with alcohol use disorder.
Conner: Doctor Becker, thanks for talking with us about health risks associated with alcohol use.
Dr. Becker: Thank you. My pleasure.
Conner: From the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio.
Health Focus transcripts are intended to accurately represent the original audio version of the program; however, some discrepancies or inaccuracies may exist. The audio format serves as the official record of Health Focus programming.
