Booze

  My family says I drink too much.  I say Impossible!  Everyone knows that Doctors say we need 8 glasses of water a day.  The water around here *****!  So I drink Strohs instead.  What do they want me to do, dehydrate?  Eight or ten beers a day never killed anyone, right?  Please tell my family to find a REAL problem.

Dear Paul,
It appears that you are affected about your family's comments on your beer
intake.This may be their way of showing concern for you and your health.
If you drink beer because the water in your area does not taste good, perhaps
it should be tested by your local county extension agent for contaminants.  
As far as your alcohol usage, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I ever feel guilty about how much I drink?
- Do I ever use alcohol in the morning as an 'eye-opener'?
- Do I ever feel annoyed about other people's comments on my drinking?
- Do I ever feel that I need to cut down my drinking?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, you should see your family health care provider.
Regardless, you should see your health care provider for a physical exam to
check for any possible physical effects that can come from regular alcohol usage
such as liver damage.
If you do not feel comfortable talking with your health provider, call us
at Henry Ford Behavioral Services(313)916-2600 (for nearest location) to
set up an evaluation.
Good Luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  
Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining
to your specific medical condition.
For physician referral, call Henry Ford Health System at [phone].
Key Words: Drinking, booze, alcohol