One reason for alcohol consumption is stress reduction. We live in frustrating times, and alcohol is seen as a way to ease our stress. Self-medication for other problems can carry over to alcohol ingestion. Alcohol can apparently ease physical and emotional pain. If the person who consumes alcohol is also using medications for pain relief, the effects of alcohol can be increased.
Alcohol often has harmful interactions with prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and even some herbal remedies. Alcohol interactions with medications may cause various problems such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Changes in blood pressure
- Abnormal behavior
- Loss of coordination
- Accidents
