What is alcohol?
Alcohol is the most widely used social drug in Australia. While a small amount of alcohol may be beneficial to the heart for some older people, risky drinking can cause serious problems. Australians are the heaviest drinkers in the English speaking world. We drink to relax, to celebrate, to socialise and to have fun. Alcohol forms a part of many social functions - from family get togethers to parties and work functions.
Unfortunately excessive alcohol use is responsible for many physical, mental and emotional problems. It affects virtually every organ in the body, and chronic use can lead to numerous preventable diseases including alcoholism. It is also a central nervous system depressant. The following guidelines can help you look after yourself, your family and others when alcohol is being used.
Revised Australian Guidelines to Drinking Alcohol (2009)
Guideline 1
For healthy men and women, drinking no more than two standard drinks on any day reduces the lifetime risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury.
Guideline 2
For healthy men and women, drinking no more than four standard drinks on a single occasion reduces the risk of alcohol related injury arising from that occasion.
Guideline 3
Parents and carers should be advised that for children under 15 years of age, not drinking is especially important. For people aged 15 - 17 years, the safest option is to delay the initiation of drinking.
Guideline 4
For women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, NOT drinking is the safest option.
What is a standard drink?
One standard drink (10 grams of alcohol) is equal to each of the following:
Metabolism of Alcohol
Alcohol enters into the bloodstream through the stomach and the small intestine. The rate of absorption varies from person to person, depending on:
· Individual sensitivity to alcohol
· Frequency of intake
· The type and concentration of what you drink
· Genetic background
· Body weight - the lower the weight the greater its effect
Alcohol is metabolised mainly by the liver. A small proportion is removed through the kidneys, sweat and breath.
Danger of Excess
Short term effects
· Distorted vision, hearing and co-ordination
· Altered perceptions and emotions
· Bad breath and hangovers
Long term effects
General
· Weight gain
· Vitamin deficiencies
· Loss of appetite
· Depression
· Skin problems
· Sexual impotence
· Difficulty sleeping
· Arguments with family
· Decreased functioning at work
· Financial difficulties
Liver
· Impaired function
· Cancer
· Severe swelling and pain
Stomach and Intestines
· Inflammation and bleeding
· Ulcers
Pancreas
· Inflammation and bleeding
Brain
· Memory loss
· Confusion and disorganisation
· Hallucinations and fits
· Permanent brain damage
· Impaired ability to learn new things
Muscles
· Weakness and loss of tissue
Heart
· Irregular pulse
· Damaged heart muscle
· Increased blood pressure and risk for heart disease
Nervous System
· Damage causes loss of sensation in hands and feet
Signs of a drinking problem
If you feel that someone you know could have a drinking problem, the following situations may help you decide whether or not to seek further assistance:
· Inability to control drinking - regardless of intentions, they frequently end up consuming too much.
· Using alcohol to escape from problems.
· Changing from a reserved person to the ‘life of the party’.
· A high tolerance level—they can drink everyone else under the table.
· Suffers’ ‘blackouts’ when drinking - the person can't remember what happened.
References
2009 Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol: www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/_files/ds10-alcoholqa.pdf
Better Health Channel www.betterhealthchannel.vic.gov.au
“Nutrition for Life” by Catherine Saxelby, 2006.
Disclaimer
This Fact Sheet is provided for your information only and does not replace qualified medical advice. The information provided may not apply to every person or all situations. A medical practitioner should be consulted for all treatment and medication.
