Last week, during my annual checkup, I encountered a familiar part of the process: the health questionnaire. Among the questions, there was one about alcohol and substance use—how often I drink, whether it’s socially or daily, and if I use other substances. It made me pause. How many patients answer these questions honestly? And what are the consequences when they don’t?
I asked a few friends. One admitted they avoid the question entirely, fearing it could affect life insurance or legal matters. Another initially lied, only to face a wake-up call when her lab results revealed dangerously high liver enzymes. That moment changed her life—she stopped drinking and has been sober for 14 years. She is now a recovery success story.
My own experience is personal. Both of my parents struggled with alcohol. Outwardly respected members of the community, they drank heavily in private. Their habit contributed to long- term health consequences, including my mother’s early-onset Alzheimer’s, ultimately tied to years of alcohol abuse. Even professionals who treated them were unaware of the extent of their drinking. It’s a stark reminder of how easy it is to underestimate the impact of alcohol, both personally and medically. Many people label themselves as “social drinkers,” often assuming it implies moderation. But the term is misleading. Social drinking may occur in gatherings but can involve consuming more alcohol than is safe. Official guidelines define moderate drinking as 14 or fewer drinks per week for men, and 7 or fewer per week for women. Understanding your true consumption is critical to maintaining health.
If you are concerned about your drinking habits, you are not alone. Many people face challenges with alcohol. The best advice I can offer is to be honest with yourself and seek help. The first step is always hard but it’s an invitation to a healthier, fuller life. At PursueCare, we support individuals at every stage of recovery, providing the guidance and resources needed to make lasting change. We know from personal experience that pursuing a healthier you requires personalized treatment and our multidisciplinary team of licensed experts are dedicated to supporting you on the journey to better health.
About the Author
Michelle joined PursueCare as a Partner Success Manager in February 2025, driven by her passion for addressing critical challenges in patient retention—particularly barriers such as transportation, childcare, and work commitments. With more than 30 years of experience in substance use and medication-assisted treatment, she brings deep expertise across both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her career began at Charter Ridge Hospital in Lexington, KY, and has since included roles in outreach, business development leadership, recruiting, and outpatient practice management.