How does my alcohol intake or drug use affect my anaesthetic?
Moderate intake of alcohol has not been shown to be detrimental to your health. It may in fact be helpful. Moderate is defined as 2-3 glasses 2-3 times per week for an adult male and 1-2 glasses 1-2 times per week for females. Drinking alcohol in excess of this quantity can lead to short and long term health problems, both of which must be taken into consideration when an anaesthetic is given. For your own health don’t drink in excess but you should at least not drink alcohol for two days prior to an anaesthetic. The effects of other drug use on anaesthesia are complicated and it is best, if possible, to avoid using them around the time of the anaesthetic. It is vital your anaesthetist knows about any drug and alcohol history.
