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HOW MUCH ALCOHOL IS TOO MUCH? To reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury, healthy men and women should drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day. Check the label on the bottle or container for the number of standard drinks it contains.
DO YOU HAVE AUD? Talking about a possible drinking problem can be daunting, but your doctor is there to help. To find out if you have a problem with alcohol, you can take a test called the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) here. A score of 8 or more points to hazardous or harmful alcohol consumption and a score of 15 or more means you may have a drinking problem, alcohol addiction (alcohol dependence) or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). If your results indicate you may have a drinking problem, you can find a printable version of the AUDIT which includes a standard drink guide here to fill out and take to your doctor. We would be happy to write to your doctor on your behalf. Please email us the name and contact details for your doctor if you would like us to do so.
CONCERNED ABOUT A LOVED ONE'S DRINKING? If you're concerned about someone you think may be drinking too much, we would be happy to email them some information to help them get their drinking under control. Please email us their contact details to the email address on our contact page.
YOUR GP You may ask your doctor for a comprehensive treatment program. This may include a prescription for naltrexone 50mg. Naltrexone is available under PBS with the prescribing rules; 'The treatment must be part of a comprehensive treatment program with the goal of maintaining abstinence/controlled consumption'. You may also be prescribed naltrexone on a private script if you do not meet these prescribing rules. You may talk to your doctor about taking targeted naltrexone. It is important that you follow your doctor's treatment plan as you've both agreed, and discuss any problems you might be having at follow up appointments. Naltrexone does have side effects which can include feeling unwell, nausea, feeling hot, dizzy, fatigued and more. These side effects will ease in time. It is important that you continue taking your medication as prescribed and discuss any issues with your doctor. Email us your location to be connected with a GP specialising in best practice care for AUD in your area.
SUPPORT There are many free support groups to help you on your journey. These include SMART Recovery and AA. View more support options here.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS It is a good idea to keep your medication with you at all times so you never forget to take it. You can buy keyring medication storage here. There are online pharmacies who can post your medicine directly to you. You can view some here, here and here. These websites also let you know what price you might expect to pay for your medication. We know it can be scary seeking advice about drinking alcohol. Sometimes even to a doctor. It's important, though, that you seek help as AUD is a progressive illness. You can find a health provider here.