Alcohol
If you drink alcohol within the recommended limits then alcohol can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle. But many of us are drinking more than we used to because we can afford it and because it has become more ‘normal’ to drink more. Many of us are not drinking safely and psychological and physical dependence is creeping up on us or maybe we are ‘binge’ drinking without even knowing it. The biggest increase in alcohol-related deaths in South Staffordshire in the last ten years or so is in the 35 to 54 age group.
This section gives some key messages about alcohol and its effects on society and, in particular, on our health. There are links to specialist websites throughout and at the end of the section to give further advice and support.
Why is alcohol an issue?
Alcohol has become both more accessible and affordable in the UK. As alcohol has become more affordable the consumption per person has increased. The general household survey in 2005 found that 6% of men and 2% of women were chronic drinkers, regularly drinking over 50 and 35 units of alcohol a week. Alcohol is an issue because illness from alcohol consumption is increasing – admissions to hospital are increasing and alcohol-related deaths are increasing, nationally and here in South Staffordshire.
What is alcohol?
Most adults have alcoholic drinks to relax, socialise and to celebrate special occasions. It is seen to be a socially acceptable drug in society but alcohol is no less harmful than other drugs and substances. Alcohol is a nervous system depressant which affects a person’s behavioural, emotional, physical and mental responses, meaning that alcohol affects a person’s natural feelings of fear and caution.
What are the recommended limits?
Alcohol is measured in units. One UK alcohol unit contains eight grams of pure alcohol. The government recommends that men should drink no more than three to four units per day and for women no more than two to three units per day. Constant drinking over this recommendation is not advisable because of the progressive health risks to a person’s health and well-being. If you regularly drink more than the recommended limits you should aim to cut down your drinking.
For more information visit:
http://units.nhs.uk/
How to work out the units
One alcohol drink is not one unit - it is worked out based on the strength and size of the drink which will determine the amount of units in each drink consumed. To work out your alcohol units visit: http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/how-many-units.html. It is worth remembering that your body takes one hour to process one unit of alcohol
What are the health effects?
Alcohol can affect people differently. In the short term, it can depend on how a person feels and behaves before alcohol is consumed. Alcohol will often exaggerate this mood making a person feel more sociable, relaxed and reduce any inhibitions or feelings of anxiety. But alcohol can also exaggerate feelings of sadness or depression and increases the risk of injury or death from accidents or alcohol-related violence.
For more effects visit:
www.talktofrank.com
http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/the-effects-of-alcohol.html
Heavy drinking on a regular basis can lead to serious health problems including:
- Alcohol dependence or alcoholism
- Anxiety, stress and depression
- High blood pressure
- Poor concentration
- Liver disease which can result in death
- Potentially fatal alcohol poisoning
In South Staffordshire, there has been a 149% increase in alcohol-related deaths in men and a 75% increase in women with Cannock Chase District having the biggest increase.
What is binge drinking?
Drinking too much alcohol over a short period of time, defined in units as drinking over twice the daily guidance in one day (more than eight units for men and six units for women)
Alcohol & young people
Alcohol use by young people is on the increase in the UK. Young people’s drinking is a concern for many parents and those who work with young people due to the nature of alcohol-related harm and the increase of binge drinking amongst this age group. The way a teenager’s body handles alcohol depends on their physical size and stage of development.
www.teenissues.co.uk/AlcoholAndDrugs
www.adfam.org.uk
Staffordshire’s Children Alcohol Survey (2007) showed that 30% of our children (aged between 11 and 15) had drunk alcohol in the week prior to the Survey compared with 21% of children nationally. This was as high as 38% in one of the Districts.
It’s the law:
- Adults are not allowed to buy alcohol on behalf of under 18s
- It is illegal for children under five years of age to drink alcohol
- It is illegal to buy alcohol from an off licence or bar area of a pub if you are under 18 years of age
http://www.talktofrank.com/home_html.aspx
Pregnancy & alcohol
The government advises not to drink alcohol whilst you are pregnant. Alcohol from the mother’s blood crosses the placenta and enters the baby’s blood. Heavy drinking can affect the development of the foetus. The official advice is to avoid alcohol, however if you choose to drink stick to a maximum of one to two units, no more than once or twice a week and don’t get drunk.
http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/pregnancy.html
How to drink safely
With the increasing numbers of young people binge drinking and many adults drinking over the recommended amount it is important for you to be aware and safe when consuming alcohol. To enjoy alcohol without the risks try and stick to the recommended safe amounts www.drinkaware.co.uk/how-many-units.html
- Eat before you start drinking
- Don’t drink and drive
- Pace yourself – drink plenty of water in between drinking alcohol
- Don’t feel under pressure to drink and get drunk
- Take care walking home, try walking with groups of friends rather than on your own
For more information on how to drink safely visit:
http://www.knowyourlimits.gov.uk/stay_safe/index.html
Where can you get advice and support?
There are many services that can help if you have concerns about alcohol or if you are concerned about a person’s drinking, here are some of the main ones:
www.adsis.org.uk
www.drinkaware.co.uk
www.talktofrank.com
http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068675/
Alternatively speak to your GP or practice nurse..
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