Starting the Conversation on Alcohol Overconsumption

Resources:Boynton Health confidential alcohol and substance use services410 Church St S.E.Minneapolis, MN 55455612 - 624 - 1444UMN Care Program Referralhttps://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofMN&layout_id=7https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol/basics-defining-how-much-alcohol-too-much#pub-toc4

Starting the conversation on alcohol overconsumption

How much is too much

The Community

Based on a survey conducted on students who attend the University of Minnesota:

- 96.9% of individuals reported having drank alcohol since entering college- consumption of shots and straight liquor is more common as opposed to mixed beverages.- 79.7% of respondents reported feeling they or someone they know may have a problem with overconsumption of alcohol

- Heavy drinking for women is defined as: 4+ drinks a day, or 8+ drinks a week.- Heavy drinking for men is defined as: 5+ drinks a day, or 15+ drinks a week- 4 (for women) or 5 (for men) drinks in the span of 2 hours.(This typically raises the BAC to 0.08% and meets the criteria of binge drinking)Blacking out: typically occur when an individual reaches a BAC of .14, almost twice the legal limit.

1. Slow breathing, which is fewer than eight breaths a minute2. Low body temperature3. Trouble staying conscious or awake4. Vomiting5. Seizures- Stay near the person- If conscious, keep the person sitting up - If unconscious, make sure the person is not lying on their back, but in the recovery position (on their side)

How to start the conversation with a friend or family member if you think they are consuming too much alcohol

How is it affecting you, the person who might be struggling, and what to do before the conversation

What to say and what to avoid

- How frequently have you had to take care of the person because of thier alcohol use? - Are you worried about the person's alcohol consumption on a regular basis?- Does the person drink only to get drunk?- Does the person frequently not recall events from when they were drinking?- Has the person gotten into trouble because of thier alcohol consumption?- Has the person ever expressed that they want to cut down on thier consumption?- Create a list of specific issues that have happened because of the persons alcohol use, and bring it with for the conversation- Make sure you choose a private and quiet room for the conversation

- Initiate the conversation when the person is sober- Stick to expressing your own feelings and oservations about the person's behavior, avoid generalized statements- Clearly communicate your worry for the person's well-being with specific examples- Discuss the negative outcomes of the peron's consumption using specific instances- Highlight the hardship between positive parts of thier sober personality, and negative behaviors that occur when the person is under the influence- Use "I" statements - Encourage the person to seek more help, and offer support in finding resources- Try not to be accusatory- Remind the person that you are bringing this up because you are worried and care about them- Do not expect them to agree with you, and maintain composure if there is pushback.

how to spot and assist someone with alcohol poisioning: