Alcohol excess/ overindulgence

Alcohol has a depressant effect on the central nervous system, and this is reflected in many of the symptoms of intoxication, such as slurred speech, uncoordinated movements, mood problems, sleepiness and slow reflexes.

Drinking as few as four drinks at a time may be sufficient to increase your risk of experiencing alcohol-related injury or health problems and the risk of injury and disease increases the more you drink. However, it’s not possible to predict how different people will react to alcohol, as its physiological effects vary according to gender, physical build, body fat levels  and liver function. Genetic, psychological and social factors may also contribute.

For these reasons, some people are at greater risk of developing alcoholism. For example, women are less able than men to tolerate alcohol, and may develop dependency at a lower intake. A family history of alcoholism significantly increases the risk of becoming alcohol-dependent; this may be due to a combination of genetic and social factors.

• Professional treatment of alcoholism or alcohol-related disease is very important, however, the following natural remedies may be of assistance. Your healthcare professional can also assist by tailoring a treatment plan to your individual circumstances. 
• Milk thistle aids normal liver function and supports the regeneration of liver cells. It helps protect the liver against potentially harmful substances such as alcohol, and has traditionally been used to support detoxification. 
• Globe artichoke and dandelion have been traditionally regarded as liver and gall bladder tonics, and are used to assist with detoxification and sluggish digestion.

• Regardless of whether it occurs on a daily basis or as periodic binges, drinking excess alcohol may cause significant health problems and increase the likelihood of accident and injury. If you are concerned about your own health or that of someone else, talk to your doctor immediately. Early intervention is considered particularly important for teenagers.
• In order to reduce the adverse health risks associated with alcohol consumption, Australian government guidelines recommend that adults consume no more than two standard drinks per day. It is also recommended that everyone have at least two alcohol-free days per week. Children, teenagers under 18 years old, pregnant and breast-feeding women should abstain from alcohol entirely.
• People with alcohol-related problems, mental health issues or who are taking certain medications should also abstain from alcohol.
• Decrease the speed at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream by consuming food at the same time as you’re having a drink, but avoid salty foods, which may increase your thirst and exacerbate any dehydration. It is also wise to alternate non-alcoholic drinks with alcoholic ones.
• If you’re suffering from a hangover, drink plenty of fluids to help rehydrate your body, but don’t consume more alcohol, as this only increases the load on your liver.

• Overcoming alcohol problems may be difficult, but is always worthwhile. Talk to your doctor about the support that’s available or contact Alcoholics Anonymous for confidential assistance.
• Support is also available for those affected by someone else’s problem drinking. Contact Al Anon/Alateen for more information.