How Much Do You Drink? (nudge nudge, wink wink)

This morning while seated in a doctor's waiting room, my wife and I were chatting about articles in the mags. One magazine, something to do with doctors in central Florida, stated an interesting fact:

When asked about their consumption of alcohol, 24% of men and 16% of women lie to their doctor about how much they drink.

Really? Only 24%? That number actually seems rather low.

Several years ago, I was chatting with a resident. I asked her the question, "What percentage of patients you see either abuse alcohol or use mood altering medications, rather script or recreationally?" Her answer shocked me: "Almost all. In fact, if someone does NOT have an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication listed on their health history, I usually question them about it. Almost everyone uses something."

She also said that when someone reports their total weekly consumption of alcoholic beverages, she doubles that number to get a more accurate reading.

Is this necessary? Well, there's a lot of evidence supporting the resident's argument, isn't there? After all, if someone says they have a cocktail after work, then a glass of wine with dinner, most folks would think that's within the acceptable range. But it sounds a lot worse to say, "I have 14 drinks every week." Same information, just one way it's more palatable.

I believe docs should ask, "On average, how many drinks do you have per day?" This question, rather than the weekly one, should give a better idea of that person's rate of consumption.

And folks, when the docs ask this question... tell the truth, tell the truth, tell the truth! It's vitally important for a physician to get an accurate reading of your true health – not what you wish it'd be, not how you want to be thought of, but the whole truth and nothing but the truth!