Alcohol Destroys Lives and Society

Canadians that like to partake of a little alcoholic beverage on a daily basis are on the minds and thoughts of Canadian officials concerned about the abuse of alcohol in Canada.

According to Canadian researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, who are tasked with monitoring Canadians consumption of alcohol, alcohol abuse costs each Canadian an estimated $463 per year.

The report just released by the centre, The Avoidable Cost of Alcohol Abuse in Canada 2002, indicated that direct health care costs for alcohol abuse in Canada surpass those of cancer and create an additional economic burden for Canadians in access of $1 billion.

Scientists and health professionals have suggested six intervention techniques that would save upwards of 800 Canadian lives each year and more than 90,000 acute-care hospital days annually.  Additionally, they point out, implementing these policies would decrease productivity losses by about $600 million, health care costs by $250 million and crime-related costs by upwards of $180 million.

The scientists and health care officials say that Canadians don’t take alcohol and its possible effects on Canadian society as a serious issue, that alcohol abuse is one of the prime factors increasing costs in the Canadian health care sector, and that it’s preventable, providing Canadians take the issues seriously.

Officials have suggested increasing taxes on alcohol; studies have shown a link between increases in the price of alcohol and a marked decrease in Canadians consuming alcohol, suggesting that a hypothetical 25 percent increase in alcohol related taxes could reduce alcohol consumption by up to 4.1 percent.  Scientists also say that lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration limits to 0.05 percent from 0.08 percent to combat alcohol abuse and increasing the legal drinking age in Canada to 21 years of age could have a notable effect on alcohol related motor vehicle fatalities.

Scientists propose a zero tolerance rule for drivers under 21, programs to educate servers of alcohol to recognize intoxication and additional screening by health care officials for drivers who have a history of drinking and driving. 

The Canadian Medical Association, recently, urged the Canadian government to decrease the legal blood alcohol concentration levels, suggesting that such reductions have been shown to result in fewer fatalities and could reduce alcohol related fatalities in Canada by about 185 to 555 Canadians.

Currently, provinces issue 12 to 24 hour suspensions for blood alcohol levels over 0.05 in Canada, but under the new legislation that takes effect in Ontario later this year, a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 percent will be suspended for three days, up from twelve hours.

The problem of alcohol abuse in society is an old one that has been a part of human life for thousands of years and I would agree the only way that no damage will be done by individuals consuming alcohol is for alcohol to not be available.  This is of course not feasible considering the current laws in place; people should have the right to live their lives the way they want, provided their choices aren’t damaging others.

The suggested changes are just the same old ideas implemented with a new level of monitoring, no new ideas have come forward to help alleviate this problem, but then the problem is deeper then just people drinking.

The consumption of alcohol in society has a lot of origins, from stress relief, to an escape from reality, to a never ending supply of money for suppliers and like all human inventions alcohol is relatively harmless if we control the amount we consume.

Humans are creatures of habit, we will continually come back to a familiar feeling, and this includes alcohol, even when the benefits are out weighted by the problems.  It’s easy to fall into one of these human pitfalls, the hard part is realising the hole you’re in and getting yourself out of it.

If you drink daily, it’s likely you have lost control of your alcohol consumption and you should seek council from those who have been down this road.  Your not alone, many humans have suffered from alcoholism and the help exists to let you escape from the alcoholic-spiral your in, you just have to realise you need help and reach out for it.

 

 

Acamprosate

Acamprosate (a kam`prosate)

 

Brand Name: Campral

 

For what reasons is Campral prescribed to patients?

 

Acamprosate is a drug used to in combination with counselling and social support to help individuals with a history of prolonged and continuous consumption of large amounts of alcohol to overcome the need to drink.  Consuming large amounts of alcohol for significant amounts of time changes the brain chemistry and the way the brain functions.  Acamprosate helps these individuals by helping the brain functions of individuals who have consumed large quantities of alcohol to function properly.  Acamprosate is not designed to dissipate the withdraw symptoms often associated with ceasing alcoholic consumption of large quantities of alcohol.  Note: Acamprosate has not been shown to have any effect in individuals who continue to consume alcohol while on Acamprosate or in people who drink exceptionally large quantities of alcohol or use and abuse other street-level drugs or prescription medications.

 

How should Acamprosate be taken and used?

Acamprosate is taken three times a day, with or without food, by swallowing a delayed-release tablet.  It is very important to never forget to take Acamprosate, so set a regular scheduled time to take your medication, such as the three meal times during the day.  Read the instructions on the prescription label of your medication and ask your physician or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.  It is very important to take Acamprosate exactly as directed by your physician, don’t take more or less, and do not take it more often because you think more is better, it isn’t.

Swallow the tablets of Acamprosate whole; don’t split, chew or crush them in anyway before ingestion.

Acamprosate only helps to prevent drinking if it is taken regularly and under a physician’s direction.  Do not stop taking Acamprosate, even if you think you will not start drinking alcohol again, unless you talk to your physician first.

If you drink alcohol while taking Acamprosate, continue to take your medication, but call a doctor and inform them of the situation.  Acamprosate will not cause you to have an unpleasant reaction if you drink alcohol during treatment.

 

What other uses are there for Acamprosate?

Acamprosate is prescribed for the treatment of other ailments, so ask your physician or pharmacist for more information.

 

Are there any special precautions while taking Acamprosate?

Before you take Acamprosate,

·         You should always tell an attending physician prescribing Acamprosate if you are allergic to Acamprosate, any other medications and especially sulphites.

·         In form the physician of any prescription, non-prescription, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.  Make sure to mention antidepressants (mood elevators), as your physician may need to alter the dosage of Acamprosate or monitor you closely for possible side effects.

·         Alcoholism is often associated with depression, so tell your physician if you have ever thought about harming or killing yourself, if you have ever attempted suicide, if you are currently on or have ever taken street drugs or have overused prescription medications in the past.  Also inform your physician if you have or have ever had depression or kidney disease.

·         Tell your physician if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or are currently breast feeding an infant.  If you should become pregnant while on Acamprosate immediately inform a physician of the situation.

·         If you are scheduled for surgery or dental surgery inform the surgeon that you are currently on Acamprosate.

·         Acamprosate has been shown to sometimes affect thinking, ability to make decisions, and coordination, so no operating a car or machinery until you know how Acamprosate affects your body.

·         Individuals drinking large amounts of alcohol frequently become severely depressed, sometimes attempt to harm or kill themselves.  Taking Acamprosate doesn’t decrease an individual’s risk factor for suicide and may increase the risk in certain individuals that they will try suicide.  Individuals on Acamprosate may develop depression while taking the medication even if they don’t go back to consuming large quantities of alcohol.  Call a physician immediately, if an individual or if you, experience symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, anxiousness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed; lack of energy; difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering common things; irritability; sleep problems; changes in appetite or weight; restlessness; or thinking about harming or killing yourself or planning or trying to do so while on Acamprosate.  Be sure your family knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call a physician immediately if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.

 

Are there any special dietary instructions you should be aware of while taking Acamprosate?

Continue on your normal diet, unless directed by your physician to do otherwise.

 

Did you forget to take your medication at the scheduled time?

If you have missed your scheduled time and it is almost time for the next dosage, then skip the missed medication and continue with your normal regiment.  If you missed your dosage and your next scheduled medication is along off, then take the medication as soon as you notice you missed the scheduled time.

 

What possible side affects does Acamprosate have?

Acamprosate can come with side effects, so tell a doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away with time.

·         Diarrhea

·         Gas

·         Upset stomach

·         Loss of appetite

·         Dry mouth

·         Dizziness

·         Itching

·         Weakness

If the side effect is very serious do not hesitate to contact a physician.  The following symptoms are very unusual, but if you experience either or them, or any of the symptoms mentioned in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, seek the help of a medical professional immediately.

·         Any burning, tingling, or numbness in the hands, feet, arms, or legs

·         A rash of any kind develops on your body

It is possible Acamprosate could have additional side effects not noted before, so if you have any usual side effects not on the list above, immediately call your physician and make them aware of the situation.

If serious side effects are experienced on any kind, you or your physician can send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at, www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm or by phone 1-800-332-1088.

 

How should Acamprosate be stored?

Keep Acamprosate in the airtight container it originally came in, tightly closed, out of the reach and eye sight of children and store Acamprosate at room temperature and away from any sources of excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).  Throw it away when it is outdated or no longer needed, don’t keep it around for emergencies, and if you need advice on the proper disposal of medications talk to your physician or pharmacist for suggestions.

 

What to do in case of an overdose?

In the case of an accidental or purposeful overdose, immediately call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.  If the victim is unconscious or collapsed and unable to move, or is not breathing, immediately call local emergency services at 911 and wait with the victim until the emergency response personnel arrive on scene.

The symptoms associated with an overdose may include:

·         Diarrhea

If you have taken too much Acamprosate consistently for an extended period, it is possible you may encounter specific symptoms.  Call a physician immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

·         loss of appetite

·         upset stomach

·         constipation

·         extreme thirst

·         tiredness

·         muscle weakness

·         restlessness

·         confusion

 

Is there any other important information I should be aware of while taking Acamprosate?

If is very important when taking any medication to remember to keep all appointments with a physician, counsellor or support group.

Never allow any other individual to ingest your medication for any reason and ask your physician if you have any inquires about restocking your prescription.

Well that’s it for his hub on the prescription drug, medication, Acamprosate.  We hope this information will help you improve your health and welfare.  Until next time hubber, happy hubbing!