safe partying
How to judge how much alcohol is too much to drink (eg.BAC & the standard number of drinks and knowing the effects of alcohol)
A standard drink of alcohol contains 10 grams. However the size of a ‘standard’ drink can change according to the type of alcohol. The size of a drink served in some hotels, restaurants or even at home may be much bigger than a proper ‘standard’ drink.
One standard drink equals:
•285ml or approximately one middy of regular beer (4.9% alcohol content)
•425ml or one schooner of light beer (2.7% alcohol content)
•100 ml or one small glass of table wine (12% alcohol content)
•30ml or one nip of spirits plus mixer (40% alcohol content).
Cocktails can contain as much alcohol as five or six standard drinks, depending on the recipe.
You should really be mindful of how many drinks you have the maximum is one and half, if you want to be able to drive, different people get effects more by alcohol and some less but sometimes you can feel fine and then it might hit you later, and all at the same time which can be dangerous. So maybe have a friend or someone that doesn't drink to look after you if you have a few drinks.
Ways of reducing the effects of alcohol (eg. Eating before and during a party, drinking water or soft drinks etc)
Here are some quick tips on reducing you alcohol intake:
•Alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones, like sparkling, plain water, soft drink etc.
•Eat food. Eat some food before and if possible while you drink alcohol.
•Water down alcoholic drinks; for example, have a shandy (beer and lemonade) or a white wine and sparkling water instead of straight alcohol.
•Pace yourself. It's not a race or a competition. Sip slowly and enjoy, because you can only have a little bit so enjoy.
•Offer to be the designated driver when you go out so you drink less, but make sure you
stay under the legal limit.
•Keep track of how much you're drinking and make sure you stay in control, otherwise you can be at risk of harming yourself.
Ways of saying no to offers of alcohol or drugs at parties
The easiest way to say not to drugs and alcohol it to just say no, in a stern voice. and if they start to force it down your throat then they best thing to do it just walk away from the situation and be strong.
The direct health implications related to using particular substances
There are different types of consequences there are short term and long term. The short-term consequences include:
•Slurred speech
•Drowsiness
•Vomiting
•Diarrhea
•Upset stomach
•Headaches
•Breathing difficulties
•Distorted vision and hearing
•Impaired judgment
•Decreased perception and coordination
•Unconsciousness
•Anemia (loss of red blood cells)
•Coma
•Blackouts (memory lapses, where the drinker cannot remember events that occurred while under the influence)
The long-term consequences include:
•Unintentional injuries such as car crash, falls, burns, drowning
•Intentional injuries such as firearm injuries, sexual assault, domestic violence
•Increased on-the-job injuries and loss of productivity
•Increased family problems, broken relationships
•Alcohol poisoning
•High blood pressure, stroke, and other heart-related diseases
•Liver disease
•Nerve damage
•Sexual problems
•Permanent damage to the brain
•Vitamin B1 deficiency, which can lead to a disorder characterized by amnesia, apathy and disorientation •Ulcers
•Gastritis (inflammation of stomach walls)
•Malnutrition
•Cancer of the mouth and throat
As you can probably tell these consequences are very horrible things and it is all because you might have taken some unsafe substances.
What does the law say?
•It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under 18 years of age.
•Someone under the age of 18 cannot be supplied with alcohol.
•There is a zero alcohol limit for anyone aged under 20. Anyone under 20 could be charged with drink driving if they consume any alcohol and then drive.
•It is against the law if someone is 18 and they get an adult to buy or try to buy alcohol for you.
•It is against the law if someone is 18 and they drink alcohol in licensed areas for example places like Pubs or restaurants.
What community services in the local area can help planning, and response if there is an issue?
Here are some options you can take when you need some help with drug and alcohol related issues:
•Visiting a doctor or local health service
•Phoning Direct line on 1800 888 236, which is a 24 hour telephone counseling, information and referral service. At Direct Line, you can talk to professional counselors who are experienced in alcohol and drug-related matters
•Contacting a drug referral and counseling service in your area