alcohol and drug use

 
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Alcohol

Drinking alcohol is often done as part of a social event or gathering. In moderation, alcohol is thought to provide some health benefits, like protection from heart disease. Drinking alcohol, however, can cause problems:

  • Alcohol can affect the way you think and cause you to make bad decisions.

  • Alcohol can lead to addiction.

  • Alcohol can cause dehydration in people with sickle cell disease, which in turn can trigger the red blood cells to sickle.

 

It is best to not drink alcohol. But if you choose to drink, do not drink:

  • If you plan to drive

  • If you plan to participate in activities that require concentration or coordination

  • If you take medicine that could interact with alcohol

  • If you are pregnant

 
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Don’t have more than 1 drink per day for women or 2 drinks per day for men.

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drugs

In addition to alcohol, other drugs can cause problems for people with sickle cell disease. Illegal or street drugs, like cocaine, marijuana, and heroin can affect your health and lead to addiction.

Even some prescription drugs can be harmful if they are not taken as prescribed by your provider.

 
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Addiction is a disease that can affect anyone and is treatable.

 
 

Signs of addiction include:

  • Needing more of a drug to get the same effect

  • Having withdrawal symptoms when you don’t take the drug

  • General body aches and flu-like symptoms (anxiety, sweating, seizures, tremors)

  • Feeling depressed or not able to function when you don’t take the drug

  • Spending a lot of time and energy to get the drug

 
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Tell someone, like a family member or your provider if you or someone else thinks you might have a problem with drugs or alcohol.

 
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SECTION OVERVIEW

 

  • Drinking alcohol, can cause problems in people with sickle cell disease.

  • It is best to avoid alcohol.

  • It is important to note that individuals with sickle cell disease are NOT more prone to addiction than people without sickle cell disease.

  • Drugs (even prescription if not taken as prescribed) can affect your health and lead to addiction.