Bristol neighbours

Alcohol

It is a battle to convince the public that students do more than just sleep all day, occasionally go to a lecture, and then watch Neighbours ‘ to then go out on the lash’. In reality it is a minority that help to give off this image. For the typical student University is likely to be the first time you are away from home for a long period of time and as such is a time to assert your independence. For many this does involve drinking, meeting new people, and experimenting. 

Everyone wants you to have fun at University, after all, it is meant to be one of the best experiences of your life. Drinking responsibly can be fun, relaxing, and can aid social interaction. Drink too much and it’s often a different story.

Recommended Safe Limits

Men = 21 units of alcohol per week (no more than 3-4 units in any one day).

Women = 14 units of alcohol per week (no more than 2-3 units in any one day). 

Have at lease one non alcohol day a week to give your liver time to recover and if you overdo it have at least two non alcohol days.

Units

One unit of alcohol is approximately equal to: 

• Half a pint of beer, lager or cider (3-4% alcohol by volume) 
• 25ml of spirits (40% alcohol by volume) 
• 50ml of fortified wine, e.g. sherry or port (20% alcohol by volume)
• One and a half a units of alcohol is approximately equal to:
• 125ml (a small glass) if ordinary strength wine (12% alcohol by volume) 
• 35ml of spirits (40% alcohol by volume)

Binge Drinking

As much as people don’t want to believe it, a significant amount of drinkers are in fact classed as ‘Binge Drinkers’

Based on Government guidelines binge drinking is defined as; ten or more drinks in one session or drinking over half the recommended units for a week in one session.

Short Term Effects Include:

1. Loss of Inhibitions which can often result in embarrassing events and regretful situations. 
2. Increased Emotions and we are not just talking about telling everyone you love them. Excessive drinking can lead to people feeling extremely depressed. 
3. Feeling Indestructible Remember the TV advert where the man jumped off the roof. Generally not a good idea. 
4. Memory Loss and Confusion 
5. Anger and Violence 
6. Vomiting and Incontinence throwing up and urinating on oneself - not good.
7. Hangovers sensitivity to light, diarrhea, nausea, headaches, low mood. Not exactly fun.

Long Term Effects Include:

• Cirrhosis of the liver 
• Increased risk of cancer in oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, rectum and colon and breast 
• High blood pressure (leading to further risk of ill health)

In cases of EXTREME DRINKING that involves consuming 10 units or more in a day over a long period of time people may develop clinical depression.

For more information regarding the facts about drinking go to http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/ 

For advice and guidance in Bristol you can look at the following sites

http://www.addictionrecovery.org.uk/BristolAlcoholService.html

http://www.uwe.ac.uk/advice/counselling/framesofmind/alcohol.shtml