BUT HOW MANY IS TOO MANY?

Well that depends on the size of your drink and what you're drinking. And this seems to be where a lot of us get caught out as not all drinks are equal.

Alcohol affects everyone in different ways and it’s important to know that drinking is never completely safe.

The Australian Alcohol Guidelines* recommend:

Healthy adults should drink no more than 10 standard drinks in a week, and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day people under 18, and women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding shouldn't drink any alcohol.

*Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Alcohol (NHMRC 2020)

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LEGAL AGE LIMIT - AUSTRALIA

UNDERAGE DRINKING AND PARENT OBLIGATIONS

DRINKING AND DRIVING - CAR OR WATERCRAFT

HOW DOES ALCOHOL IMMEDIATELY AFFECT YOU?

Alcohol affects people differently. It depends what you drink, how much and how quickly you drink it. It also depends on your size and weight, and whether you’re male or female. If you drink and take over the counter, prescribed medications or other drugs, it can increase your risk of an overdose.

Dizziness

Slower reflexes

Poor balance

Poor coordination

Slurring of words

Drowsiness

Impaired judgment

If you have a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time you may experience:

Headaches

Nausea and vomiting

Agitation

Mood swings

Risky behaviour resulting in injuries, accidents, criminal offences, vulnerability to sexual assault unprotected sex

Loss of consciousness

Respiratory arrest including death

CUT BACK - THE BENEFITS ARE WORTH IT!

Cutting back or taking a break from alcohol is one of the best things you can do for your health. Whether you’re thinking about drinking less each week or feeling like you don’t want to drink at all anymore, there are so many good reasons to make a change.

THE SHORT TERM BENEFITS:

Wake up feeling better in the morning and ready to take on your day!

Falling asleep without alcohol means you won’t wake up as often and you’ll have a more restorative, deep sleep.

And with that comes improved everyday functioning – mood, concentration, creativity, productivity, mental performance and energy.

The good thing is, you’ll notice the benefits of this straight away.

Look younger and have better looking skin

Did you know alcohol can affect how your skin looks?

Alcohol is linked to inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, broken capillaries on your face and nose, under-eye puffiness and dehydration (which can leave your skin looking dry and dull).

Cutting back allows your skin’s elasticity to return, lose the redness, and give you an overall healthier complexion.

Feel more energetic!

Looking to smash a personal best or try a new fitness class?

Cutting back on your drinking will help you get a better night’s sleep so you’ll feel more energised during the day.

Whether it’s having more energy to run around after the kids or smash out a busy day at work, cutting back will help you to tackle it all.

Stronger immunity

Alcohol reduces various immune responses, including lower white blood cell production which the body needs to fight bacteria and germs.

It’s also associated with increased risk of contracting bacterial and viral lung infections.

By cutting back you’re giving your body a chance to build up its natural defence against infections and viruses, like COVID or the flu.

Better weight management

Alcohol can cause unwanted weight gain in four ways:

• it stops your body from burning fat,

• it's high in kilojoules,

• it can make you feel hungry, and

• it can lead to cravings for salty and greasy foods.

Cutting back can help you make healthier decisions to look and feel your best.

More cash in your pocket

One of the unexpected bonuses of drinking less can be saving money.

Depending on what you drink, how much and how often, the savings can be significant.

In 2020, the average Aussie household spent almost $2,000 on alcohol - so cut back and pocket the money instead.** Australian Alcohol and Drug Foundation (2020)

Improved mental health - have you ever had hangxiety?

After a night out drinking you might wake up feeling anxious or worried about what happened the night before.

Hangxiety is partly caused by the chemical changes that take place in our brains when we drink. Cutting back your drinking could also help reduce your anxiety.

If depressed - makes it worse - article

LONG TERM BENEFITS

As well as having a short-term impact on your health and wellbeing, cutting down on alcohol and making changes now can protect your future health.

Many alcohol-related health risks don’t appear until later in life. This means that how much and how often you drink now can affect your health later in life.

Making small, positive changes now will help reduce risks for:

-Confusion and memory loss

-Developing cancer

-Liver disease

-Heart disease

-Fertility problems

-Diabetes

-Dementia

*Qld Health Guidelines: www.

CREATE A TIPS FOR CUTTING BACK

Being mindful of how many and what you’re drinking can help you start to reduce your intake. If you’re interested in cutting back, talk to your friends and family and let them know so they can help support you. Other ways to reduce your intake can include:

Set a drink and budget limit before you start. Follow the guidelines and you'll feel better for it the next day!

Have a few alcohol-free days each week and adopt other healthy behaviours such as going for a walk, gardening or playing sport.

Choose social events or a place where alcohol isn’t easily available

, such as the beach or going to the movies.

Limit how much alcohol you have at home

- if it’s not there, you can’t drink it.

Space your drinks

and alternate with non-alcohol drinks.

Change your routine

– if you usually reach for a glass of wine or a beer after work,

instead try calling a friend for a catch up or switch on your favourite podcast.

No alcohol is safest when it comes to driving

- it's hard to monitor how much you've had to drink - there's too many factors that affect your blood alcohol level.

IMPACT ON THE KIDS AND RELATIONSHIPS

Cutting down can also have positive flow on effects for the young people in your life.

You can be a role model by changing your habits and showing that you don’t need alcohol to have fun or to unwind after a hard day.

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SUPPORT SERVICES

adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support

Confidential support service for people in Queensland with alcohol and other drug concerns, their families and health professionals.

Alcohol and Drug Support on 1800 177 833.

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