We drink Alcohol for relaxation and socializing. Drinking too much Alcohol, however, can have a negative impact on your physical health and mental health as well as your decisions and actions. Alcohol consumption has many short- and long-term side effects.
Why does Alcohol pose a threat to health?
Most Australians consume some alcohol. Some people drink Alcohol in quantities that can be harmful to their health. This type of drinking can lead to death, illness, and injury. It is one of the major causes of social and health harms in Australia.
The standard drink contains approximately 10 grams of Alcohol.
- 285ml of full-strength ale or cider
- 375ml Mid-Strength Beer
- Light beer 425ml
- 100ml of wine
- One nip (30mls) of spirit
Alcohol consumption is never safe. Reduce the risk of alcohol-related injury or disease in healthy adults.
- Drink no more than 10 standard beverages per week
- Drink no more than four standard drinks in a single day
Some people should be more cautious. Alcohol can be more harmful to you if:
- Under the age of 18
- Older than 65 years
- Taking other drugs or medicines
- Engaging in risky activities such as driving or operating machines
While pregnant and nursing is not considered safe, any level of alcohol consumption can be harmful to the baby.
You can be at risk for short-term illness or injury if you drink excessively. Alcohol’s negative effects can accumulate over time, affecting your health.
You should drink Alcohol safely, and control your alcohol consumption to avoid negative effects.
What are the short term health effects of drinking Alcohol?
One third of Australians drink more than is recommended on one occasion. It is known as binge-drinking (drinking four standard drinks or more in one sitting).
Drinking too much Alcohol in the short-term can have negative effects including:
- dizziness
- Lack of judgment
- Loss of coordination
- Memory loss
- vomiting
- Accidental injury (to oneself or others)
- Being in a Road Accident
- Intentionally harming yourself or another
- Alcohol poisoning can be deadly
- fatigue (tiredness)
- headaches
- Hangover
What are the health effects of drinking Alcohol over time?
Drinking more than two standard drinks per day can have a serious impact on your mental and physical health throughout your life.
Alcohol can have a number of side effects, including addiction and dependence. This is especially true for people with depression and anxiety. Alcohol can increase the risk for suicidal.
Alcohol consumption that is excessive can lead to weight gain. Even small amounts of Alcohol can increase your cancer risk.
Alcohol can have long-term negative effects on your body. Regular heavy drinking can have a negative impact on your health.
- Brain Drinking too much Alcohol can negatively affect your mood, concentration, judgment, and memory. You are more likely to suffer a stroke or develop dementia.
- Heart : Alcoholic beverages can increase your blood pressure, and damage to the heart.
- Liver : Drinking three to four standard drinks per day increases the risk of liver carcinoma. A long-term drinking habit can also increase your risk of liver scarring.
- Stomach : Drinking 1 to 2 standard drinks per day can increase your risk for stomach cancer and ulcers in the stomach.
- Fertility : Heavy drinking can reduce men’s testosterone levels and fertility. Women who drink too much Alcohol can have periods.
Alcohol abuse is also a factor in many accidents and crimes, including road accidents and violence. According to the National Drug Household Survey of 2019
- In the past 12 months, 1 in 5 drinkers of Alcohol aged 14 and older has put themselves or others in danger by drinking.
- In 2019, more than 1 in 5 Australians (aged 14 or older) had been the victim of an incident involving Alcohol. There were many different types of abuse including verbal and physical abuse.
- Adults between 18-24 are more likely than the rest to drink excessively. Women are more likely than men to binge-drink.
What is a hangover?
The experience of unpleasant after-effects from drinking Alcohol is called a hangover. The more Alcohol you consume, the worse your hangover is likely to be. Some people experience a hangover even after one drink. Some people may drink heavily without experiencing a hangover. Your body’s ability to process Alcohol will determine whether you experience a hangover.
A hangover may cause the following symptoms.
- Headache Alcohol can cause your blood vessels to expand and lead to headaches.
- Dehydration Alcohol is diuretic, meaning it removes water from the body. Drinking excessively can cause dehydration. Dehydration is what causes most of the symptoms associated with a hangover. These include thirst, dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Feeling sick Alcohol causes the immune system, which releases chemicals that cause loss in appetite and difficulty with concentration and memory.
- Nausea and vomiting: Alcohol increases the acidity of stomach lining.
- Shakiness Alcohol can cause your sugar levels to drop, making you feel weak, tired, and shaky.
- Tiredness Alcohol prevents you from getting deeper sleep. After drinking a lot, you may wake up in the middle the night. Even the next day, you may still be able to feel Alcohol in your body. It can even delay the start of a hangover. You may be unable to drive or operate machines.
Can you “cure” a hangover after drinking?
The cures for hangovers are a common myth. A hangover cannot be cured. You can only take steps to relieve the symptoms, and then wait for it to go away.
- Dehydration can be treated by drinking water. You will feel worse if you drink more Alcohol.
- Eat some simple foods to increase your blood sugar levels and calm your stomach.
- If you are suffering from a headache, or any other type of pain, take pain reliever.
- You can go to bed and sleep off the hangover.
How to avoid a hangover
Avoid a hangover by not drinking more than your body can handle. Be careful if you are unsure of how much to drink. Moderation is key.
Alcoholic beverages in Australia are required to list the approximate number standard drinks on their labels. All bottles, cans and casks are included.
You can track your alcohol consumption once you know the amount of Alcohol in a typical drink. You might be surprised! You may be surprised!
Reduce your chance of a hangover by:
- Pacing yourself is a good way to ensure you drink safely.
- Eat before drinking and throughout the drinking period.
- Drink water before you go to bed and while drinking Alcohol
Resources and Support
- You can find reliable information on reducing alcohol risk by consulting the NHMRC Guidelines.
- Hello Sunday Morning’s Daybreak App can help you change your relationship with Alcohol.
- Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline at 1800 250 015 for confidential and free advice on Alcohol and other drugs. You will be automatically directed to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service of your state or territory.
