​Since April is Alcohol Awareness Month:Think Before You Drink

Are you worried that you or someone you care about might have a problem with alcohol? If so, you are not alone. Three out of 10 adults drink more than the low-risk limit. For healthy adults, drinking more than these limits raises the chances of health problems and alcoholism:

 Men: More than four drinks on any day or 14 per week

Women: More than three drinks on any day or 7 per week

A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.

 So what can you do to lower your chances of having a problem?

 Stay within the low-risk limit.

Quit drinking entirely.

If you do choose to drink, remember to take steps to be safe:

Don't drink too quickly – no more than one drink in an hour.

If you have more than one drink, alternate non-alcoholic drinks in between.

Don't drink and drive or engage in any activity that could lead to accidents.

Don't drink if you are pregnant.

Don't drink when taking medications.

Lower your risk: Did you know that heavy drinking can increase the risk of some cancers and can hurt organs, such as the liver and brain? It can also increase other risks, including homicide or suicide, birth defects and injuries or death from car crashes.

 Sources: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services; National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

 Pharmacy Regulation Change for Schedule II Controlled Medications [All Markets]

 The state of Illinois has made a regulation change in the requirements for Schedule II controlled medications. Effective Jan. 1, 2012, Illinois prescribers can no longer write a single prescription for more than a 30-day supply of a Schedule II controlled medication. Prescribers may issue multiple prescriptions, such as three prescriptions each for a 30-day supply to be filled sequentially, for the same Schedule II controlled medication authorizing up to a 90-day supply at one time. However, the prescriber must indicate on each prescription the next allowable date of fill. Each prescription is valid for up to 90 days after the date of issuance.