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Top tips for safe drinking

Alcohol in the form of beer, wine, spirits and ciders is consumed by many around the world. Drinking, like eating, or any social activity has some guidelines to help people get more enjoyment. Responsible choices concerning sensible drinking may mean not drinking, such as when a person is sick, taking medications, being pregnant or being the designated driver. Responsible drinking means that you never have to feel sorry for what has happened while you were drinking. The following are some top tips to help you drink responsibly and derive more enjoyment and pleasure from drinking if you choose to consume alcohol.

Know your limit

The percentage of alcohol varies from one drink to another, so be sure to look at the label.  For every unit of alcohol consumed it takes an hour for the effects of alcohol to be metabolised. To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, the UK Chief Medical Officers (CMO) advise it is safest not to drink more than 14 units a week spread evenly over three or more days. Exceeding this will put your health at risk.

Alcohol units

Eat food before and during drinking

It is recommended to eat food high in protein and carbohydrates such as chicken or pizza, which helps to slow the absorption of alcohol into the circulatory system. Your BAC (blood alcohol content) will remain low, and you will not become drunk as quickly. Drinking on an empty stomach will make BAC rise very quickly. Note: eating after you have been drinking has little or no effect.

Skip a drink now and then

Before drinking ensure you have plenty of water. Alcohol causes the body to lose fluid and could cause you to become dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help prevent you from becoming dehydrated. When you don’t feel thirsty you will drink alcohol more slowly. When drinking, have a non-alcoholic drink in between the alcoholic ones to keep your blood alcohol concentration down.

Avoid drinking if you are feeling bad

Alcohol itself is a depressant and will make feelings of low mood, anger or anxiety worsen. If you have any of these feeling before drinking you are far more likely to drink outside of the safe limits and your alcohol consumption can soon become out of control.

Plan your journey

Never drive to a drinking event, leave your keys at home.  Pair up with someone who will not be drinking who is happy to drive you to and from the event. Respect the wishes of someone if they do not wish to drink. Alternatively book your taxi for the return journey when you go out or check out the times of public transport. Travel with others for added safety.

Reducing alcohol for health benefits

The physical benefits of reducing your alcohol use are massive and include: Clearer and healthier skin, losing weight instead of gaining it, having more self-respect and self-esteem, having more energy to take up other interests, no hangovers, reduced risk of many forms of cancer, be more productive and alert at work. These are just a few of the many benefits of reducing alcohol intake.

 

If you would like further information or help and support with managing your alcohol consumption please contact:

Surrey Drug and Alcohol Care: 0808 802 5000 or https://sdac-helpline.co.uk/

Surrey Drug and Alcohol Care Ltd (SDAC) operate a free of charge, confidential helpline open to callers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They offer help and support for anyone who is concerned about the problems that Drugs and Alcohol cause. They could be users themselves, parents, siblings or friends in the County of Surrey

I-access: 0300 222 5932

I-access support people in Surrey who want help with their problematic drug use and those who are dependent on alcohol and want to stop or control their drinking. Their main office is in Guildford but they are a Surrey wide service offering clinics across the county.

Catch 22: 01372 832 905 or ypsm@catch-22.org.uk

Catch 22 provides a drug and alcohol service for those up to the age of 25.

References:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/alcohol-consumption-advice-on-low-risk-drinking

www.drinkaware.co.uk

www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/alcohol-units.aspx

www.nhsggc.org.uk/your-health/health-services/alcohol-brief-intervention/risks-to-health/benefits-of-reducing/