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- Alcohol is a psychoactive and toxic substance. Even without dependence, drinking can cause injury, cancer, liver and heart problems, and harm to others.
- The less alcohol you drink, the lower the risk. No amount is guaranteed to be safe for every person and every aspect of health.
- Alcohol use disorder involves loss of control, strong cravings or continuing despite harm. It is a treatable condition, not a character flaw.
- Daily heavy drinking, drinking to prevent withdrawal symptoms or previous seizures when stopping mean that stopping abruptly may be dangerous.
- Confusion, hallucinations, seizures or severe shaking after cutting down or stopping is an emergency.
- An unconscious person or someone breathing slowly after alcohol may have alcohol poisoning. Call 912, place them on their side and do not leave them alone.
- Treatment may include a conversation, safe detoxification, relapse-prevention medication, psychological help and support for physical, social and mental health effects.
- Relapse provides information for adjusting the plan and is not a reason to end care.
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