Booze blackouts
Question
My friend has spasms when she drinks alcohol. Her body goes into convulsions and she has shooting pains down her legs. Her eyes lose focus but she says she is still conscious of her surroundings.
She hasn't been to the doctor because she is embarrassed and doesn't want her parents to find out.
She doesn't drink to excess; her consumption of alcohol is average compared to her friends. Is she allergic to alcohol?
Answer
It sounds like your friend is having some frightening experiences. This must be frightening both for her and her friends. Although you said that your friend didn't want to go to a doctor, it is very important she does. Depending on her age, the doctor may be able to keep her information confidential. If she is 16 or older the doctor can't give information to her parents without her consent. There are exceptions to this confidentiality and these include:
- orders from a court;
- certain infectious diseases;
- addictions to hard drugs;
- arrangements for abortions;
- various police enquiries;
- new birth notifications.
None of these seem to apply for your friends situation.
She can also call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for health advice and information without having to go into the doctor's surgery.
It is very difficult to say what is causing your friend's spasms. There is a possibility it's due to allergies. It isn't normally the alcohol in drinks that causes allergies; it's usually the additives that are used in the making of the drinks. These can include yeast, eggs, mould, and pesticides.
If these spasms only happen when she drinks, of course, the best option for her is to avoid alcohol. It may be that she is taking some medication and mixing it with alcohol is causing side effects. Again, the only way she is going to be able to find out for sure what is going on is to see a doctor. This probably isn't what your friend wants to hear but it is very important that you and her other friends support her to make the right choice to look after her health.
If you and your friend would like to talk to someone about the risks and effects of alcohol, contact Frank on 0800 77 66 00. They will give you free, confidential advice and information.
Updated: 25/01/2007
Question answered by Addaction
