Alcohol
Realities and Risks
What is alcohol?
Some people may say, the solution to all of life’s problems, but really alcohol is much more than that. Alcohol is a depressant, which is a type of drug used to decrease stimulation and increase relaxation. Alcohol lowers your neuro-transmission levels.
History of alcohol
Why and why not do people choose to use alcohol?
1. To be socially accepted
2. They like the taste
3. Likes the feeling
Why not:
1. Against their religion
2. They dislike the taste
3. They dislike the feeling
Long term and short term effects
Short term effects:
- Slurred speech
- Gastro (diarrhoea, vomiting)
- Breathing difficulties
- Distorted vision and hearing
- Unconsciousness
- Coma
- Blackouts
Long term effects:
- Injuries such as car crash, falls, burns, drowning
- Intentional injuries such as firearm injuries, sexual assault, domestic violence
- Alcohol poisoning
- Heart related diseases
- Liver disease
- Nerve damage
- Sexual problems
What makes alcohol addictive, Suggest ways to reduce intake
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Beyond Blue is a health service that can help you not just with an alcohol addiction/problem but they are familiar with all aspects of mental health. Anxiety, depression, addictions.
The services they provide are:
A hotline you can call 24/7 - 1300 22 4636
An online chat service 3pm to 12am/7 days a week.
Personal counsellors
How to reduce your intake.
Don't drink alcohol to quench your thirst.
Use spacers (alcohol free drinks) between alcoholic drinks to prevent excessive alcohol consumption.
Drink low alcohol beverages. Or even non alcoholic drinks
Count your drinks.
Don't gulp drinks. Take smaller sips.
Eat before drinking. The drink will take longer to absorb, so you will stay fuller for longer.
If you are a regular drinker, have at least two alcohol-free days each week. And slowly each week increase the amount of non-alcohol days.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: DO NOT USE ALCOHOL AS A STRESS, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION RELIEF.
Social acceptabilty.
Alcohol is used in everyday life. "Knock off work at 6pm, go to the pub." "It's your 21st, have a drink." New years eve, have a drink", Sound familiar? Society is the thing that is ramming it down our throats, if you don't drink you're considered to be "not manly enough" or "a killjoy."
So many people talk about how alcohol abuse is a massive problem but then they go and pressure people into drinking. There is so much contradiction in the world. we never stop and think if I keep complaining about alcohol problems, nothing will happen. You need to put your words into action and help out humanity.
It seems to be that if you drink alcohol more than twice a week you're labelled as an alcoholic, or if you don't drink alcohol you're labelled as a fun kill. Society has too many labels and judgements and that is why I believe the social acceptability of alcohol is extremely judgemental.