Alcohol is a drug which acts as a depressant. As such it decreases the activity of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). The content of alcoholic drinks is mainly a mixture of water and ethanol. Ethanol is a toxin and as such can cause damage to your body.

This article discusses the short and long term effects of drinking alcohol, the benefits of alcohol, information about a standard drink, safe drinking limits and drink driving. It also offers tips for safe drinking and information for those who may be concerned about how much they are drinking.

Short term effects of drinking alcohol

The effects will vary depending on your mood and the environment you are in when drinking. Of course, the more you drink, the more you are affected.

However, here are the most common effects:

• You may feel stimulated, as you lose your inhibitions, and become less anxious and more confident. However, since alcohol is a depressant, you are not really stimulated. In reality your reactions are slowing down.

• You may become drowsy.

• You will lose your coordination.

• Emotions may become erratic.

• Your speech, vision and movements are all impaired.

• Your sexual desire may increase, although your performance will probably decrease.

• You can lose consciousness from excessive drinking and you can go into a coma and even die.

The immediacy of the effects varies from person to  person:

• Women are affected more than men.

• Smaller people are affected more than larger people.

• If you have an empty stomach, alcohol is absorbed quicker.

• The type of drink consumed.

• The speed you drink.

• If you are on any medication.

Long term effects of drinking alcohol

With regular, excessive consumption of alcohol, it is likely you will cause long term problems for your body. Some are detailed as follows:

• Brain damage: affecting your memory, reasoning and learning capacity, balance and coordination. Your brain actually shrinks.

• Liver damage: can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and death.

• Stomach damage: causing stomach ulcers, also increases chance of cancer.

• Blood problems: can cause high blood pressure which can lead to a stroke.

• Heart problems: increases the risk of heart disease.

• Cancer: can increase the risk of cancer in the throat, gullet, voice box and even breast cancer.

• Damage to the nervous system.

• Vitamin deficiency.

• Infertility.

• Diabetes.

• Obesity.

• Sexual problems.

• If you have an existing condition, regular alcohol consumption can make the symptoms worse.

• Alcohol is addictive if used regularly in large amounts. You can become dependent on it physically and psychologically.

• Alcohol can also harm your ability to work, your relationships and your life.

Benefits of drinking alcohol

Drinking alcohol is not all bad. It has been shown that drinking in moderation can be good for you, with people drinking small amounts of alcohol having lower rates of heart disease than those who are teetotal.

What is a standard  drink?

A standard drink (or unit) contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. A standard drink is equivalent to either:

• One 375ml serving of average strength beer (3.5% alcohol).

• One small glass of wine (125ml).

• One measure of spirits (25ml).

It takes about an hour for your body to eliminate one unit of alcohol from your body.

Safe drinking limits

Guidelines in Australia are as follows:

• For men: no more than 3-4 units a day and no more than 28 units a week.

• For women: no more than 2 units a day and no more than 14 units a week.

• It is recommended both men and women have 1-2 alcohol free days a week.

Drink driving

Alcohol can be potentially lethal, as it can combine increased confidence with impaired judgement and concentration. As such you may believe you are fine to drive when in reality you are not.

Your risk of having a car accident has increased after just two pints of beer.

Drink 3.5 pints of lager and you are 8 times more likely to have a car accident compared to when sober.

Drinking 5-6 pints means you will probably be over the legal limit for driving the next day.

Safe drink driving in Australia

In Australia, the legal blood alcohol concentration level is 0.05 – although your risk of an accident has increased fivefold if you have this much alcohol in your bloodstream. Even with a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.02, your driving skills have decreased.

So, what does 0.05 equate to? There are guidelines for staying under 0.05:  2 standard drinks in the first hour (1 or a woman), then 1 drink an hour. This of course is for your average person.

Given the fact that alcohol's affect on you can vary from one situation to the next, it is safest and most responsible to not drink at all if you are driving.

Hangovers

A hangover is the result of alcohol causing dehydration, which increases the concentrations of toxins in the body. Alcohol also depletes blood sugar, vitamins and minerals, which will affect your wellbeing. Also, different drinks will determine how likely you are to have a hangover. Brandy, red wine and rum are the drinks most likely to cause a hangover, followed by whisky, white wine, gin and vodka. Also, wine which is drunk too young or is a bad harvest may also lead to a hangover.

Your own drinking habits – are you concerned?

If you are worried about how much you are drinking, one way of tracking your behaviour is to keep a diary, detailing everything you drink, including amounts. Note whether it is a typical week, or special occasions when people like to have a drink. If you are over the recommended intake, it will be worth you cutting down, not only for your health but for your relationships.

Signs that you may have an alcohol problem

Have a read through the following list and see if they apply to you:

• Having to drink more to get the same effect.

• Drinking throughout the day.

• No longer feeling drunk when you drink.

• Hiding your drinking habits from other people.

• Waking up shaking and sweating.

• Drinking alone.

• Constantly thinking about drink.

If you are concerned – seek professional help.

Tips

For cutting down

• Take a look at this website:  http://www.downyourdrink.org.uk. It is suitable for people who are concerned about how much they are drinking, rather than people with a serious alcohol problem.

• Reduce the alcohol content of your drink.

• Skip a drink.

• Take up a new interest that is not alcohol related.

• Drink slower.

• Choose your limit for the night and stick to it.

• When at home, use smaller glasses and have drinks with a lower content of alcohol.

• Instead of using alcohol to relax you, try something else – look at my relaxation article for some ideas. Remember, alcohol will not increase your mood.

For safe drinking

• Never drink on an empty stomach.

• Drink water in between drinks.

• Try not to drink every day.

• Never drink and drive.

For reducing hangovers

• Drink water at bedtime.

• Try some form of exercise.

• Try to have something to eat.

• Don’t drink coffee: this increases dehydration.

Seeking help

http://www.alcoholicsanonymous.org.au/
Your GP will also be able to assist you if you have  concerns.