Alcohol - Need Help Quickly | Epilepsy Foundation

Topic: Teen Zone

Hello, I'm 14 years old and i have been invited to some New Years parties and now i finally made a decision.In my 14 years of life i have never tasted alcohol(except small amounts of rum in cakes) and now that i'm going to a party and know there will be drinking i was wondering what are the rules about this.I was diagnosed with epillepsy in Summer this year and during my time in hospital one guy who was also in a hospital, but not because of epillepsy, told me that now that i'm taking meds can't drink any alcohol, very suprisinglly my doctor said nothing about alcohol.Now i went a bit on internet and tried to see if there's anything i should now, and some people are saying they can drink alot and nothing will happen to them, some are saying they don't drink because they are diagnosed with epillepsy and i even hear that it might happen(tho i never heard that it did) that someone gets a seizure after one drink.Also i have had 0 seizures after my first one.So i definatley don't want to drink alot of alcohol, but i don't know where i'm standing with this so i hoped someone could help me.

Comments

Re: Alcohol - Need Help Quickly

Submitted by seakats on Wed, 2010-12-29 - 17:57

I'm sure you've been told that drinking for a 14 y.o. is a no-no. Alcohol isn't the epitome of being an adult or having fun. It can lead to unforseen circumstances. Here's a list of reasons NOT to drink. Before you skip over it because you've made your decision, PLEASE read these. It could save your life.

A date rape drug quickly dumped in a shot or beer or wine or....you get my drift....
A person driving you from a party who has been drinking.
Getting attacked when walking home or waiting for a taxi/bus....it makes you vulnerable.
You could end up having sex with some random guy when you're plastered.
Drinking as a teen may interrupt key processes of brain development, possibly leading to mild cognitive impairment as well as to a further escalation of drinking.
Females absorb alcohol faster than males. This puts you more at risk, being female, of making bad decisions that will effect your life forever.
Having epilepsy, you have a higher risk of depression. In someone w/o depression, 37 percent of eighth grade females who drank heavily reported attempting suicide, compared with 11 percent who did not drink. Sure, you say "I don't plan on drinking that much" but alcohol, used irresponsibly can be addictive.
People who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence at some time in their lives compared with those who have their first drink at age 20 or older.
Drinking contests can lead to alcohol poisening/ death

I had a closed head injury and epilepsy as a result of it from a teen that decided that getting drunk and driving was more important than others' (my) safety. I was almost killed. That could be you. Their immaturity and willingness to take chances often put teens who use alcohol or other drugs in particularly dangerous places, such as behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Few teens understand the potential dangers of drugs. There is a good reason that the drinking age is 21.

Seizure Control

Other than those reasons, yes, alcohol does impair the effectiveness of seizure control. And when you have a seizure, you're even more vulnerable. Studies show that between 10 and 25% of newly diagnosed cases of epilepsy in adults may show chronic alcohol abuse as a risk factor.

The doctor may not have told you about alcohol or even THOUGHT about it since you are 14. But alcohol and aeds don't mix. Do NOT drink if you are taking aeds. I'm 32 and can't drink. I never really was into that drinking scene but I used to have a glass of wine with dinner on special occasions. I can't any more.

Teens with epilepsy should know that alcohol can worsen seizure control. In addition, the combination of seizure medicines and alcohol can have a strong sedative effect. When excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed, the combination can be dangerous.

If you're in a social situation and "have to" look like you're drinking (not good friends if this is the case), ask for an Italian soda. It's club soda with any flavoring you want and you can add cream (I do). I drink that in coffee shops as I can't risk the caffeine (one of my triggers).

PLEASE stay out of these situations. If you are ANYWHERE in this scene, do not take your eyes off whatever you are drinking. There a lot more fun things to do in NY. Broadway plays, Ground Zero memorial (not fun, precisely, but meaningful), restaurants with different foods you've never tasted, the Statue of Liberty, etc. Here's a list: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/New_York_State/New_York_City-841252/Things_To_Do-New_York_City-TG-C-1.html

I'm sure you've been told that drinking for a 14 y.o. is a no-no. Alcohol isn't the epitome of being an adult or having fun. It can lead to unforseen circumstances. Here's a list of reasons NOT to drink. Before you skip over it because you've made your decision, PLEASE read these. It could save your life. <ol><li>A date rape drug quickly dumped in a shot or beer or wine or....you get my drift.... </li> <li>A person driving you from a party who has been drinking. </li> <li>Getting attacked when walking home or waiting for a taxi/bus....it makes you vulnerable. </li> <li>You could end up having sex with some random guy when you're plastered. </li> <li>Drinking as a teen may interrupt key processes of brain development, possibly leading to mild cognitive impairment as well as to a further escalation of drinking. </li> <li>Females absorb alcohol faster than males. This puts you more at risk, being female, of making bad decisions that will effect your life forever. </li> <li>Having epilepsy, you have a higher risk of depression. In someone w/o depression, 37 percent of eighth grade females who drank heavily reported attempting suicide, compared with 11 percent who did not drink. Sure, you say "I don't plan on drinking that much" but alcohol, used irresponsibly can be addictive.</li> <li>People who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence at some time in their lives compared with those who have their first drink at age 20 or older. </li> <li>Drinking contests can lead to alcohol poisening/ death</li> </ol> I had a closed head injury and epilepsy as a result of it from a teen that decided that getting drunk and driving was more important than others' (my) safety. I was almost killed. That could be you. Their immaturity and willingness to take chances often put teens who use alcohol or other drugs in particularly dangerous places, such as behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Few teens understand the potential dangers of drugs. There is a good reason that the drinking age is 21. Seizure Control Other than those reasons, yes, alcohol does impair the effectiveness of seizure control. And when you have a seizure, you're even more vulnerable. Studies show that between 10 and 25% of newly diagnosed cases of epilepsy in adults may show chronic alcohol abuse as a risk factor. The doctor may not have told you about alcohol or even THOUGHT about it since you are 14. But alcohol and aeds don't mix. Do NOT drink if you are taking aeds. I'm 32 and can't drink. I never really was into that drinking scene but I used to have a glass of wine with dinner on special occasions. I can't any more. Teens with epilepsy should know that alcohol can worsen seizure control. In addition, the combination of seizure medicines and alcohol can have a strong sedative effect. When excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed, the combination can be dangerous. If you're in a social situation and "have to" look like you're drinking (not good friends if this is the case), ask for an Italian soda. It's club soda with any flavoring you want and you can add cream (I do). I drink that in coffee shops as I can't risk the caffeine (one of my triggers). PLEASE stay out of these situations. If you are ANYWHERE in this scene, do not take your eyes off whatever you are drinking. There a lot more fun things to do in NY. Broadway plays, Ground Zero memorial (not fun, precisely, but meaningful), restaurants with different foods you've never tasted, the Statue of Liberty, etc. Here's a list: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/New_York_State/New_York_City-841252/Things_To_Do-New_York_City-TG-C-1.html

I'm sure you've been told that drinking for a 14 y.o. is a no-no. Alcohol isn't the epitome of being an adult or having fun. It can lead to unforseen circumstances. Here's a list of reasons NOT to drink. Before you skip over it because you've made your decision, PLEASE read these. It could save your life.

A date rape drug quickly dumped in a shot or beer or wine or....you get my drift....
A person driving you from a party who has been drinking.
Getting attacked when walking home or waiting for a taxi/bus....it makes you vulnerable.
You could end up having sex with some random guy when you're plastered.
Drinking as a teen may interrupt key processes of brain development, possibly leading to mild cognitive impairment as well as to a further escalation of drinking.
Females absorb alcohol faster than males. This puts you more at risk, being female, of making bad decisions that will effect your life forever.
Having epilepsy, you have a higher risk of depression. In someone w/o depression, 37 percent of eighth grade females who drank heavily reported attempting suicide, compared with 11 percent who did not drink. Sure, you say "I don't plan on drinking that much" but alcohol, used irresponsibly can be addictive.
People who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence at some time in their lives compared with those who have their first drink at age 20 or older.
Drinking contests can lead to alcohol poisening/ death

I had a closed head injury and epilepsy as a result of it from a teen that decided that getting drunk and driving was more important than others' (my) safety. I was almost killed. That could be you. Their immaturity and willingness to take chances often put teens who use alcohol or other drugs in particularly dangerous places, such as behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Few teens understand the potential dangers of drugs. There is a good reason that the drinking age is 21.

Seizure Control

Other than those reasons, yes, alcohol does impair the effectiveness of seizure control. And when you have a seizure, you're even more vulnerable. Studies show that between 10 and 25% of newly diagnosed cases of epilepsy in adults may show chronic alcohol abuse as a risk factor.

The doctor may not have told you about alcohol or even THOUGHT about it since you are 14. But alcohol and aeds don't mix. Do NOT drink if you are taking aeds. I'm 32 and can't drink. I never really was into that drinking scene but I used to have a glass of wine with dinner on special occasions. I can't any more.

Teens with epilepsy should know that alcohol can worsen seizure control. In addition, the combination of seizure medicines and alcohol can have a strong sedative effect. When excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed, the combination can be dangerous.

If you're in a social situation and "have to" look like you're drinking (not good friends if this is the case), ask for an Italian soda. It's club soda with any flavoring you want and you can add cream (I do). I drink that in coffee shops as I can't risk the caffeine (one of my triggers).

PLEASE stay out of these situations. If you are ANYWHERE in this scene, do not take your eyes off whatever you are drinking. There a lot more fun things to do in NY. Broadway plays, Ground Zero memorial (not fun, precisely, but meaningful), restaurants with different foods you've never tasted, the Statue of Liberty, etc. Here's a list: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/New_York_State/New_York_City-841252/Things_To_Do-New_York_City-TG-C-1.html

Re: Alcohol - Need Help Quickly

Submitted by subarde on Thu, 2010-12-30 - 06:19

WOW, thanks so much for that detailed explanation.Thanx to this i've made a decision i'm not drinking.This has def changed my points of view ;).

Re: Alcohol - Need Help Quickly

Submitted by dbrownpilot on Thu, 2010-12-30 - 12:54

I'm glad to hear that you've made that decision. Drinking is one of the worst things to do with aeds. You never know what the results will be. Epilepsy has enough of it's own risks without adding more risks to it. You've made the right decision. PLEASE stick with it. Alcohol is very dangerous for you.

Re: Alcohol - Need Help Quickly

Submitted by Florida Swamp Rat on Thu, 2010-12-30 - 09:36

Many times my siezures didn't happen from the drinking itself but from the hangover. Getting a pounding headache, body chills, and an upset stomach is not good for someone with epilepsy. Especially when you don't know how you will react to alchohol. You will probably start drinking at the party, like it a lot, get carried away, and the next thing you know bad things can happen.

Don't do it.

Many times my siezures didn't happen from the drinking itself but from the hangover. Getting a pounding headache, body chills, and an upset stomach is not good for someone with epilepsy. Especially when you don't know how you will react to alchohol. You will probably start drinking at the party, like it a lot, get carried away, and the next thing you know bad things can happen.

Don't do it.

Re: Alcohol - Need Help Quickly

Submitted by NancyAlcorn on Sun, 2011-10-23 - 08:12

Alcohol and epilepsy doesn't necessarily match. They are like oil and water. They just don't mix and add up. I suggest you better stay away from parties and find other hobbies instead. - Nancy Alcorn

Re: Alcohol - Need Help Quickly

Submitted by Rach1708 on Thu, 2012-11-15 - 21:41

I had a seizure at a club recently (one of my more embarrassing fits) but I wasn't drinking it was just the fact that I was sleep deprived because it was 2am. I don't go out much now because I don't want to ruin my friend's night out by not getting wasted and leaving early. Does anyone else have this problem??

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