Alcohol
Alcohol and You
Alcohol is seen as a more socially acceptable drug and is often associated with having fun, partying and celebrating. However, alcohol is not any less powerful than other drugs, it is a nervous system depressant and so slows down your responses. When people drink they find they lose their inhibitions and feel more confident which can be a great feeling, but when they drink too much it can make them ill and have a hangover the next day.
Things that influence the effect alcohol has on your body are:
- How much you drink.
- How quickly you drink.
- What you drink (spirits and fizzy drinks are absorbed quicker).
- How used your body is to alcohol.
- Your size and weight (the smaller you are the quicker you will notice the effects).
- Whether you have eaten.
- If you are a male or female (women are generally smaller and their bodies contain less water).
 | Alcohol is often associated with having fun and celebrating, but at the end of the day it is a drug which is often misused and can lead to various problems especially when it comes to your health. |
Alcohol Units - Do You Know When to Stop?
There is a wide variety of alcoholic drinks available. Spirits such as whisky and vodka contain a higher level of alcohol to wine or lager. Alcopops such as Smirnoff Ice, Bacardi Breezer and WKD Blue also contain a large volume of alcohol, more than beer or cider. You can check the label on alcoholic drinks to see how many units each drink contains and this also gives you a better idea of just how much alcohol you are consuming. For more information visit www.units.nhs.uk
Did you know that spirits such as whiskey and vodka contain a higher level of alcohol than wine? It's important to know your limits and know when to stop. Check the units of alcohol on the bottle or visit www.units.nhs.uk for more information. |  |
Alcohol and the Law - Are You Old Enough?
Under 14 years - You are unable to go into a bar or pub unless the pub has a 'children's certificate'. Young people in this age range are allowed in beer gardens and family rooms.
14 - 15 years - You are allowed to go anywhere in a pub but cannot drink alcoholic drinks.
16 - 17 years - You can buy or be bought beer or cider so long as you are drinking it with a mean in a restaurant (including pub meals). You are not allowed to buy alcohol in a bar.
Under 18 years - It is against the law for anyone under 18 to buy alcohol in a pub, off licence or supermarket. It's also illegal to buy alcohol in a pub for someone under 18.
 | From the age of 16 you are allowed to have an alcoholic drink in a restaurant with a meal. One of the things that influences the effect of alcohol on your body is if you are drinking on a full or empty stomach. |
Alcohol and Your Body - Are you Feeling the Effects?
- Slurring your words.
- Losing your balance.
- Vomiting.
- Being mouthy, argumentative and aggressive.
Long term effects include:
- Alcohol poisoning
- Liver damage
- Stomach Cancer
- Heart Disease
For some people their drinking gets completely out of control and they start drinking more and more often or large amounts all in one go with an aim to get drunk (binge drinking). These habits can develop into alcoholism / alcohol dependence.
Alcohol and Behaviour - Are You In Control?
Alcohol misuse can often be linked to anti-social behaviour and crime on our streets.
Excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to people acting out of control. Alcohol can often enhance the mood you were in before you started drinking this is why some people become very happy and others become aggressive, abusive and argumentative. This is when people end up in fights and arguments when ordinarily they would have realised the dangers and walked away.
When people are drunk they are more likely to end up having unprotected sex and sex with strangers. Again if you are drunk and not fully in control you are not aware of the possible dangers around you and are not thinking of what the repercussions might be.
You can find contact details for services and support if you are concerned about your own alcohol habit or a family member or friends alcohol habit back on the main drugs, alcohol and smoking page.
Alcoholism / Alcohol Dependence
What is Alcohol Dependence?
This is a serious situation where drinking alcohol takes a high priority in your life. You drink every day, and often need to drink to prevent unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (see below). In the UK about 2 in 100 women and about 6 in 100 men are alcohol dependent.
What are the signs of alcohol dependence?
- What are the signs of Alcohol Dependence?
- Often have a strong desire to drink alcohol and need a drink every day.
- Drink alone often.
- Need a drink to stop trembling (the shakes).
- Drink early, or first thing in the morning (to avoid withdrawal symptoms).
- Spend a lot of you time in activities where alcohol is available. For example, if you spend a lot of time at the social club or pub.
- Neglect other interests or pleasures because of alcohol drinking.
Help and Support
Usually, one of the first hurdles for people who have an alcohol dependency is admitting they have a problem in the first place. Then people can be helped by counselling and advice from a practice nurse or doctor. Sometimes a referral to a specially trained counsellor may be advised. In other cases, people are put on a detox programme or prescribed medication.
If you are concerned alcoholism / alcohol dependence here are some people who could help... Drinkline - National Alcohol Helpline Alcoholics Anonymous AL-Anon Family Groups National Association for Children of Alcoholics |
