You probably know that excessive alcohol intake is dangerous for your health, but you’ve decided to drink anyway. OK, your life, your choice, fair enough. If you choose to drink, how can you do it as safely and responsibly as possible?
Here are some tips to help you practice safe drinking:
- Drink only if YOU want to drink and drink only as much as YOU want to drink.
- Eat a substantial meal before drinking. Never drink on an empty stomach.
- Do not drink if you have been taking medications that might interact dangerously with alcohol (anti-biotic, anti-anxiety, barbiturate and sedative medications are the main but not the only concerns – ask the pharmacy or check the package inset carefully).
- Pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid alcohol altogether.
- Those with liver or kidney problems should avoid drinking.
- Pace yourself by alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks or by drinking mixers instead of straight drinks.
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after drinking
- If you have been drinking excessively, take an oral rehydration solution before going to bed.
- Don’t mix your drinks. Rather stick to drinking one type of alcoholic beverage throughout the night.
- Drink slowly to avoid intoxication.
- 21 drinks per week for men, and 14 drinks per week for women, are the general guidelines. More than this may be a concern.
- If you take recreational drugs, do not mix drugs and alcohol.
- Don’t drink and drive. Designated drivers are a must.
Alcohol is a major cause of death and disability, and should really be avoided if possible. If you do choose to drink, as many do, please do so responsibly to help minimize the negative consequences of alcohol consumption.
Written by Dr Colin Burns
