Alcohol is a depressant. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to impaired judgement, slurring of speech, loss of short term memory, a tendency to erratic or sometimes violent behaviour, sickness and nausea, temporary impotence in men, and dehydration and hangover.
Binge drinking can result in overdosing on alcohol – people can become unconscious, and choke on their own vomit. Binge drinking is a major factor in accidents, violence and anti-social behaviour, and unsafe sex (including sexual assault, having sex later regretted, sexually transmitted infection and unwanted pregnancy).
Longer term health problems associated with prolonged over use of alcohol include:
-
liver damage
-
cancer
-
stroke
-
heart problems
-
high blood pressure
-
fertility problems
-
mental health problems
-
stomach problems
Some ideas to reduce your risks
Reducing the amount of alcohol you drink can significantly reduce the risk of harm to your health. Some suggestions include:
-
keep track of what you are drinking – count your units
-
set your own limits and stick to them – get family and/or friends to do the same
-
choose drinks containing less alcohol
-
choose smaller glasses
-
eat before drinking alcohol, and while drinking
-
set aside alcohol free days during the week – and stick to them
-
don’t drink in rounds
-
limit the amount of cash you will spend on drinks if going out
-
drink soft drinks or water between each alcoholic drink
-
don’t drink and drive
