How can I cure a hangover?

Posted April 05, 2013

DEAR DOCTOR K: Why do I get a hangover when I drink? What's the best way to get rid of it?

DEAR READER: Last night was great -- friends, food, fun and wine. Lots of wine. But this morning your head is pounding and your mouth is dry. The lights are too bright and every noise sounds like a jackhammer. Breakfast? You can't bear the thought of it. There's a lot we don't know about hangovers -- but we do know about the effects of alcohol on the body. And what we know may explain some of your hangover symptoms.

Do I have a drinking problem?

Posted February 27, 2013

DEAR DOCTOR K: I started drinking more during the holidays. It seemed natural, as there were so many parties and happy hours. But the holidays are long over, and I haven't cut back. Could I have a problem?

DEAR READER: You ask a difficult question. What constitutes "healthy" versus "harmful" drinking can vary quite a bit from person to person. So where is the line between social drinking and problem drinking? Does drinking every day or drinking a certain amount indicate a problem?

Do I have a drug addiction?

Posted November 06, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I think I may have a drug problem. But how can I tell if I'm truly addicted?

DEAR READER: The world is not divided neatly into those who are "addicts" and those who are not. More and more, doctors are viewing substance use as a spectrum.

Imagine that spectrum as a straight, horizontal line. At the left end are people who have do not use potentially addicting substances. Just in from the left end is a group that uses a potentially addicting substance regularly but only in small amounts -- and never feels pressure to use that substance.

Can medication help with opioid addiction?

Posted October 08, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I started taking oxycodone for chronic back pain, but now I'm addicted to it. I've heard there may be medications that can help me quit.

DEAR READER: Oxycodone, like morphine, codeine and hydrocodone, is an opioid drug. Opioids are among the most powerful painkillers available. They can also produce a feeling of well-being and euphoria. Opioids affect the brain by attaching themselves to structures on brain cells called receptors. The opioid is like a key and the receptor is like a lock. When the key fits into the lock, the brain cell is affected.

Is my gambling problem related to anxiety?

Posted April 24, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I used to gamble once a year, on a trip to Vegas. But lately my lifelong battle with anxiety has gotten worse — and so has my gambling. Are they related? What can I do?

DEAR READER: Gambling and anxiety do often go hand in hand. People who gamble report feeling less anxious while gambling because the excitement masks anxious feelings. This relief can become addictive, and the impulse to gamble can become overwhelming. So for many gamblers, reducing anxiety by some other means is necessary in order to control the urge to gamble as a way of dealing with anxiety. There are several techniques that can help.

How can I control my drinking before it becomes a problem?

Posted April 17, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I am a 42-year-old man who drinks alcohol pretty much every day. Although I don't feel "out of control" from the amount I drink, I know it's more than the recommended amount. How can I nip this in the bud before it goes too far?

DEAR READER: If you have just one drink a day, there's evidence that this actually may be healthy. More than two drinks a day for men under 65, more than one a day for men over 65, or more than one a day for a woman of any age can raise the risk of alcohol-related diseases.

How can I talk to my teen about drug and alcohol abuse?

Posted February 21, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: My teenage son seems different lately. He's lost interest in team sports, is more secretive and is hanging with a new crowd. I'm worried he may be abusing drugs or alcohol. I keep trying, but he won't really talk to me about it. What can I do?

DEAR READER: Few things are more important to teenagers than being part of a group of their peers. It appears to be hard-wired in us: Teenagers in many different cultures tend to band together, and to suffer if they are not part of a group. When the group does drugs, they can be hard to resist.

What are the symptoms of a drinking problem?

Posted February 03, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I've always enjoyed an occasional drink, but often lately I've been reaching for a glass of wine to help me relax. Could I have a problem?

DEAR READER: Just the fact that you're worried raises a red flag for me. If your drinking creates difficulty for you personally, socially or at work, then your drinking may be a problem. Several screening tests can help determine if you have a drinking problem.

Is too much “screen time” unhealthy?

Posted December 16, 2011

DEAR DOCTOR K: I'm starting to think I have an unhealthy addiction to electronic media. I spend a lot of time on social networking sites, on the Internet, playing video games and watching TV. Basically, I think I spend too much time staring at various screens. How bad is this for me?

DEAR READER: We all have habits that we'd be better off without. Sometimes they creep up on us before we notice. If your various types of "screen time" are taking over your life, it's time to take stock. Wanting to change is the necessary first step.

Is moderate drinking healthy?

Posted October 17, 2011

DEAR DOCTOR K: I enjoy an alcoholic beverage from time to time. Now I hear it may actually be good for my heart health. How can I enjoy regular drinking without it becoming a harmful habit?

DEAR READER: What you've heard is true. Study after study has shown that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with good health. But -- and it's an important "but" -- alcohol is healthful only if you drink moderately and don't go overboard. A little may be better than none, and also better than more.

Addiction