by Steward Health

“Mommy juice,” “liquid courage,” “Wine Wednesday,” and “Thirsty Thursday” are some whimsical terms associated with alcohol these days. But even though these terms convey fun times and lightheartedness, the more someone regularly relies on alcohol to relax or “pick” them up, the closer they move toward addiction.

Alcohol has been in existence for centuries and according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than 86 percent of all people above the age of 18 have had a drink at some point in their lives.

“Addiction isn’t the only concern surrounding alcohol consumption. Consuming alcohol increases the risk of someone doing harm to themselves or others, especially if they get behind the wheel of a car,” says Steward Health Care and Steward Medical Group Primary Care Physician Sheena John, MD. “Alcohol use can also have harmful effects on the body as it increases the risk of liver disease and cancers of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, larynx, liver, and breast.”

Learn how alcohol can effect your health. If you think you are drinking too much, you can improve your health by cutting back or quitting. Here are some tips to help you cut back or stop drinking:

• Limit your drinking to no more than one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men

• Keep track of how much you drink

• Choose a day each week when you will not drink

• Don’t drink when you are upset

• Limit the amount of alcohol you keep at home

• Avoid places where people drink a lot

• Make a list of reasons not to drink

If you are concerned you need further help, contact your primary care physician (PCP) to discuss strategies and options to help you. Need a PCP? Learn more about Steward Medical Group primary care physicians near you.

To find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit Steward DoctorFinder™. *Source: US Department of Health and Human Services, hhs.gov *Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, niaaa.nih.gov