Xanax, alcohol a dangerous combo

Dear Dr. Gott: My 30-year-old daughter, mother of two children, has always been nervous. Years ago, her apprehension was controlled with Valium, but for the past three years she has taken Xanax. In order to relieve some of her tension, I frequently serve as a daytime nanny — and often have dinner with the family. At these times, she drinks more alcohol than she should. In fact, on several occasions she has become really intoxicated. My son-in-law does not address the issue in my presence. I don’t wish to meddle, but I am concerned that the combination of Xanax and alcohol is unhealthful. Is my concern a valid one? Dear Reader: Without question. Xanax will accentuate the effects of alcohol and vice-versa. The issue of her probable dependence on two mind-altering substances should be addressed. The “how” is a problem. Perhaps you could openly share your concern with her and, possibly, her husband as well. Rather than risking a confrontation, you might choose to emphasize the very real health risks — such as brain and liver disease — that stem from the overuse of alcohol and other powerful drugs. Also, you might consider recommending professional help for her chronic apprehension. Perhaps some counseling is in order. If this approach seems inappropriate, I suggest that you make a telephone call to her physician or psychiatrist, who is the person writing her prescriptions for the Xanax. In this manner, you can inform him or her of your observations and enlist his or her aid in seeking a resolution. Then it will be the doctor who takes the reins and can work with your daughter to control her habit, using ancillary support services as necessary. Obviously, this is a difficult situation that must be discreetly handled, but I agree with you that some form of intervention is necessary. To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Mental and Substance Abuse.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title. Dear Dr. Gott: I am 82 and in good health. However, when I open my morning paper, I am seized by explosive attacks of sneezing. Could I be allergic to ink or to the paper itself? Does the newspaper harbor monstrous numbers of microorganisms poised to attack me? Dear Reader: Unlikely. While I accept the possibility that you could be reacting to some component of the morning paper, I do not believe that the paper is a source of significant infection. Your sneezing should not harm you, but if you are truly concerned about this situation and wish to resolve it, I suggest that you be examined by an allergist who will test you to identify any environmental allergens.