Alcohol
Why is monitoring my use important?
In addition to stopping smoking, stopping or reducing alcohol use can reduce complications after surgery. Hazardous drinking can increase the risk of bleeding and delirium (behavioural changes and mental confusion) after surgery. If hazardous drinking is stopped 3-8 weeks prior to surgery the risk of post-surgical complications decrease!
No alcohol should be consumed within 24 hours prior to surgery
What is hazardous drinking?
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction has the following drinking guidelines:
Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines (LRDG) help Canadians moderate their alcohol consumption and reduce their immediate and long-term alcohol-related harm.
The Guidelines recommend no more than two drinks a day, 10 per week for women, and three drinks a day, 15 per week for men, with an extra drink allowed on special occasions.
What is alcohol dependence?
Signs of alcohol dependence include needing to drink more alcohol to get the same effect, feeling unable to restrict drinking to one of two drinks, and feeling anxious or shaky the morning after drinking heavily.
Resources available to help you
Pathways - Addiction Resource Centre
1-996 Main Street Penticton 250-492-0400
Pathways offers several outpatient services including individual counselling, men's and women's groups, parenting groups and services for people whose lives' are being affected by someone else's use.
Alcohol: Drinking and Your Health
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/hw130547#tj2166
The Lifeline Canada Foundation, BC
1-800-663-1441
Alcohol and drug information referral service
Keeping track of your progress
We have a patient passport available for you to print off and keep a written record of what you want to work on. Keeping a journal helps you stay focused and reach your goals.
What is "a standard" drink?
