Alcohol and Safer Drinking

Although alcohol can be great to relax with and have a good time, it is important to remember that it is still considered a drug and therefore, needs to be enjoyed responsibly.

UNISEX have provided a few tips to help reduce the risks involved whilst drinking:

• Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks or water
• Avoid super strength lagers, house doubles and shots
• Ask for your spirit and mixer in a tall glass
• Don't leave your drink unattended
• Try to have two days a week where you don't drink any alcohol at all
• Stay with your friends and walk away from fights

Drinking Myths

Myth - "Coffee will sober me up".
Caffeine in coffee is a stimulant so you might feel more alert, but it won't make you sober.

Myth - "I'll be fine in the morning"
Alcohol is broken down by the liver. A healthy liver can get rid of about one unit of alcohol an hour. Sleep will not speed up the rate at which the liver works. Just because you have a nights sleep does not necessarily mean you will be sober in the morning. It depends on how much you drank the night before.

Myth - "Alcohol keeps me alert"
Alcohol can make you think that you are more alert, but it actually has a depressant effect which slows down your reflexes.

Myth - "Beer will make me less drunk than spirits"
Half a pint of beer contains the same amount of alcohol as a single measure of spirits.

Myth - "I'll be fine if I drink plenty of water before I go to bed"
This can reduce hangover symptoms by helping to prevent dehydration. But it wont make you any less drunk, or protect your liver or other organs from the damaging effect of alcohol.

Myth - "The recommended safe limits are too low"
They are based on good research which has identified the level above which problems start to arise. For example, if a man drinks five units each day (not greatly over the recommended limit) then, on average, he doubles his risk of developing liver disease, raised blood pressure, some cancers, and of having a violent death.

Myth - "Most people drink more than the recommended limits"
Studies show that about 1 in 3 men, and about 1 in 7 women drink more than the weekly recommended levels. So, if you drink heavily, it might be what your friends do, but it is not what most people do, and you are putting yourself and others at risk.

Myth - "It's none of my business if a friend is drinking too much"
This is a matter of opinion. Some people would say that if you are a real friend, it really is your business. You may be the one person who can persuade your friend to accept that they have a problem, and to seek help if necessary.

Below are some useful links with more information on alcohol and safer drinking. Why not have a go on 'The Drinkometer' to find out how many units you're drinking each night?

>> Drink Aware (New Window)

>> Sussed About Drink (New Window)

>> The Drinkometer (New Window)