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Why should I pay attention to alcohol drinking?

Drinking is part of our culture. Most men enjoy a drink or two, especially during social gatherings. However, many men drink too much alcohol or do this too often, and end up damaging their health.

What are the effects of alcohol?

The effects of alcohol depend on many factors, such as how much you drink, how quickly the alcohol is consumed, and whether the alcohol is consumed with other drugs. It also depends on whether you are used to drinking, your mood, weight, gender and general health status.

Of note is that drinking alcohol cannot reduce stress. On the contrary, it is easy to get over-drinking. Acute overdose can lead to drunk, discomfort and loss of control of one's behaviour. Long-term overdose can lead to alcohol dependence. This may adversely affect not only your physical and mental health, but also influence your work performance and ruin your social life.

What are the safe alcohol limits?

Understanding what a "standard drink" means can help you drink more safely. A "standard drink" is the measure of alcohol in unit used to work out safe drinking levels. The safe level for men is no more than 3-4 units a day, and less than 21 units a week. For women, the safe level is no more than 2 units a day, and less than 14 units a week. For both men and women, there should be at least two alcohol-free days each week.

Immediate effects of alcohol

Should I reduce my drinking?

Ask yourself the following questions:

Are you unable to control the frequency and amount of alcohol you drink?
Do you think of drinking first thing in the morning?
Do you ever feel as if you can't get through the day without a drink?
Do you drink when you are at work?
At mealtime, no matter it is breakfast, lunch or dinner, do you drink rather than eat other food?
Do you get drunk at least once a week?
Do you have intermittent memory loss, especially after getting drunk?
Do you have involuntary hand tremor when you abstain from alcohol?
Is drinking affecting your relationships with family members, friends and colleagues?
Do you feel guilty about your drinking behaviour?

If you answer "YES" to any of the above questions, you need to reassess your drinking habit, and be aware of its role in your life.

If you answer "YES" to two or more questions, try and stop drinking for three days. If you cannot do this, you probably need some professional help.

How can I drink sensibly, or help myself to cut down?

To avoid drinking too much, you must pay attention to the followings:

Choice of alcohol:

Know your drink and its alcohol level. Many regular beers are about 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), red/white wine 10-15% ABV, and whisky 30-40% ABV.
Choose lower strength drinks, or mix wine with water or ice.
Fizzy drinks (like champagne) are absorbed more quickly than flatter beverage.

Drinking behaviour:

Take meals while drinking to slow down alcohol absorption. Do not drink with an empty stomach.
Always make your first drink during meal a non-alcoholic one.
Sip your drink slowly and do not gulp.
Space your drinks with a non-alcoholic drink in between.
Don't get into rounds.
Set yourself a maximum number, say two alcoholic beverages, when out for the evening and stick to it.

Drinking habit:

Keep at least 2 alcohol-free days per week; after a heavy session avoid the stuff for at least 48 hours.
Keep a drinking diary and write down each day how much you have drunk(in units), and get to know what situations tempt you the most and how you can avoid them.

If you concern about your drinking, have difficulty in sticking with these tips, or feel that your drinking is getting out of hand, do not try to tackle it on your own. Seek professional advice and get help from a support group.

What is the legislative drinking level for driving?

It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level (BAL) of more than 50mg alcohol per 100ml blood.

Besides being careful about your own drinking, it is good to care about other people's drinking. Do not let your friends drive if you think they should not drive. Call a taxi for them!

When should I not drink at all?

There are some times when it is best not to drink at all. These include:

before or when driving
before or when operating machinery and equipment
before or when handling chemicals, sharps or dangerous goods.
before or when using ladders, or working at heights
before or when swimming or taking part in active sport

Statistics

Men are more likely than women to drink alcohol excessively. According to the Behavioural Risk Factor Survey 2007 of the Department of Health, 9.2% male surveyed drink 4 days or more each week, while only 2.1% female surveyed do so.

Health Alert

Excessive drinking may lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, hypertension and stroke.

Long-term effects of alcohol

Health Tips

The label on a bottle or can of alcoholic drink usually explains how many standard drinks it contains. If you are uncertain about the alcohol content of the drinks, ask the bar staff.

No Binge Drinking for the Ladies Too

Say No to Binge Drinking

Drink Alcohol Sensibly

Men's Health Tests

Sensible Drinking

Who Else Can Help?

Alcoholics anonymous
Address: G/F, 12 Borrett Road, Hong Kong
Phone: 2522 5665 (6:00 pm-7:00 pm)

Tuen Mun Alcoholic Problems Clinic
Phone: 2456 8260

Sources:

Department of Health Central Health Education Unit

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