How to Avoid Alcohol-Related Harm

Binge drinking has become a trend on adolescents and young adults alike.  It is described as drinking heavily in a short period of time for the purpose of getting drunk. It is potentially harmful and can cause short-term and long-term harms.

Short-term harms can be related to health, accident or crime. Persons under the influence of alcohol may experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, possible memory loss (blackout) or worse, alcohol poisoning which can lead to one’s death. Alcohol affects judgment and cognition putting the person at risk for accidents, theft and shame. Research has shown that alcohol has been a factor in sexual offenses, burglaries and street crimes. Long-term abuse of alcohol may lead to liver or brain damage. 

Some people may find it difficult to abstain completely from alcohol. Even non-alcoholics have a hard time controlling their alcohol intake when pressured during a social event. In order to avoid potential harm brought about by alcohol intoxication, here are 5 reminders you should know next time you prop a bottle to your mouth:

1. Eat before/while you drink. One of the reasons why a person’s blood alcohol concentrations rise quickly even after a few bottles is because he/she drinks on an empty stomach.  Eating will slow the absorption of alcohol in the stomach; although the effect is temporary. It will also keep your hands off the bottle for some time. Just remember to avoid salty foods as it will make you thirsty.
2. Don’t rush. Drink slowly and don’t finish your drink in gulps. Take sips and avoid “rounds” as it will make you drink faster just by keeping up with the others.
3. Know your limit. If you know that you have a low tolerance for alcohol, choose beverages that have low alcohol content. Be aware of what you drink and learn how to say “no” if you feel nauseated or if you feel like you had enough. Don’t push yourself.
4. Make space. Alcohol may cause vasodilation and others may vomit. The effects may differ from one person to another. But both can rob you of your body’s water and electrolytes. It is important to stay hydrated. Drink cold water in between drinks and try to busy yourself with other things. Dancing, chatting with friends, or playing games would keep your mind from alcohol.
5. Be with the right people. It is important that you drink with people you know and trust. They will be the ones to interrupt you if they recognize that you had enough. Stay close to them and avoid being alone with strangers.  

References:

Binge drinking: the facts http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/binge-drinking

The effects of binge drinking http://health.ninemsn.com.au/azindex/689748/binge-drinking