Alcohol consumption is so much part of Australian work life and social activities and home life that it is difficult to be objective about its harmful impact. It does affect individual lives and families and work life. It is a social ritual and the consumption and serving of alcohol is the expected norm of life. This is further supported by media that will underscore that in small measures alcohol consumption is normal and will even have health benefits. Media reporting is at polar opposites. On the one hand they will report death and mayhem that was caused by it. Or alternatively its social excesses that give rise to some comic tragedy or mishap. The bottom line is that alcohol will always make an impact on clear thinking and action in some way.
Alcohol and its effects:
Alcohol is a significant chemical when introduced to the bloodstream. Someone has commented that If it were to be introduced as a substance in the 21st century as a totally new invention, it is likely that it would be restricted and would certainly be seen as undesirable substance, because of its addictive nature. Alcohols main effect is to depress the central nervous system. It does produce a temporary relaxed state followed by any number of physiological and psychological responses. Drinking will affect individual judgement. It will slow response times. Machinery or vehicle use can be made dangerous after alcohol use and it reduces concentration. Care and judgment might need to be exercised after consumption for the of sake children or vulnerable people. Accident, risk or harm to yourself or others is increased with the consumption of alcohol. Choices and decisions are impaired. People can do or say stupid things that can end careers or relationships or terminate in legal action against them. Risks happen when people are drinking. Risks also occur when they are coming down from alcohol with a hangover.
What are the recommendations and quantities around consuming alcohol?
2 standard drinks a day. One drink is considered to contain 10 grams of alcohol. That’s for men and women. It doesn’t sound much but the long term addictive qualities of alcohol along with its medical impact can be devastating. Alcohol and its effect will be calibrated by a persons metabolism and age and mental state and other prescribed or non prescription drugs that are being taken as well.
What are the clues that suggest someone has a drinking problem?
If your entire social and family life revolves around drinking and you cannot imagine a lengthy period without drinking, that is a problem. If you drink to relieve stress or depression or make yourself comfortable in social circumstances that should ring alarm bells. Or if you have major personality changes when you start drinking or you get angry and frighten people. When you can’t stop at 4 standard drinks a day, or 4 drinks a day is just not enough - it’s likely you have drinking problem. If you start drinking and you can’t easily stop, its likely you have a drinking problem. If it depresses you or makes you angry or has ever compromised your safety or others around you, it might be worth making some personal rules about how much and under what circumstances, you drink. If you drink until you black out or go unconscious or have no recall of the night before you have a drinking problem. If in your own family there has been problems with alcohol addiction, you should also be cautious.
Some practical tips around drinking
Make up your mind before hand as to how much you plan to drink. Drink light beer and plan to have soft drink or mineral water in between. Try to avoid and don’t get into “shouting “a round. Avoid salty food and crisps. Hotels put them there so you will drink more. Try not to drink on an empty stomach. And don’t allow others to top up your drinks.
If its all too difficult and alcohol is too hard to navigate and even reduce, there is always the severe and wise choice of giving up entirely. If that is not possible by yourself, it’s time to seek help to stop or reduce your drinking.
