It is no secret that when celebrating, alcohol is more than likely present. Whether it is a wedding, birthday, or a simple get-together, it is common for people to be consuming alcohol. Although it is not necessary to drink in social situations, it is expected in a lot of scenarios. The rising problem with alcohol misuse is concerning. It is common for people to neglect the permissible level of alcohol consumption in the moment of having fun. The concern lies with this becoming a regular occurrence, and it can lead to alcohol dependence. There are certain situations where people may be asked to undergo a drug and alcohol test. This could be for employment, health, legal reasons etc. Therefore, it is important to know how to drink responsibly, and the safety levels of alcohol consumption.
Importance Of Drinking Responsibly
Excess of anything often leads to negative consequences. The issue with alcohol is that it can make you lose control of your body, mind, and cloud your judgement. Excessive levels of alcohol can put yourself in others in unsafe situations. Eventually, drinking loses its fun and can become something that you depend on or use to cope.
Safe Drinking Levels
It is advised that both men and women should not be consuming more than 14 units of alcohol per week on a regular occurrence. 14 units is 6 pints of an average-strength beer, which is usually around 4.4%. 14 units is also equivalent to 10 small glasses of wine containing a percentage of 12% or lower.
It is important to note that different levels will vary from person to person based on weight. Similarly, some may become intoxicated with fewer amounts of alcohol than others. It is always important to know your own personal limit. This helps you drink in moderation.
Who Should Not Drink At All?
There are guidelines in place that inform people who should not be consuming any alcohol at all. This is because alcohol can disrupt many aspects of the body, and it is vital to be responsible in your decision. Here are some people who should avoid drinking:
- People who are pregnant or think they might be
- Under the age of 18
- Medical conditions that can worsen with alcohol intake
- Taking certain medications that can interfere with drinking
Risks Of Excessive Drinking
There are many serious risks that come from excessive drinking. Everyone should be aware of these issues and should always be encouraged to drink in moderation. Here are some of the potential risks of drinking:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Liver cancer
- Throat cancer
- Damage to voice box
- Weakened immune system
- Memory issues
- Poor professional performance
- Violence/aggression
Conclusion
If you find yourself having to undergo a drug and alcohol test, it is best to familiarise yourself with the safety guidelines of drinking responsibly and in moderation. Always know your limit, and always seek professional advice and support when you feel you may be addicted/co-dependent on drinking.