ALCOHOL
15
Alcohol is one of the oldest and most widely used drug in the world
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Most of us use it for enjoyment, but sometimes drinking alcohol can be a problem. Fights, arguments, money troubles, family upsets, unsafe sex and crisis pregnancies are often a result of having had too much to drink. Alcohol can be the cause of hospital admissions for physical illness and accidents. It is also important to remember that alcohol has the potential to be addictive. Alcohol often lowers inhibitions which can result in embarrassing or dangerous behaviour.
A standard alcoholic drink in Ireland is considered as one of the following:
· A single measure of spirits.
· A small glass of wine.
· A half pint of beer.
· An alcopop.
Taking control and staying within low-risk drinking limits: For drinking to be considered ‘low risk’, the Department of Health and Children currently advises:
· Adult women should drink less than 11 standard drinks per week & 2 alcohol free days
· Adult men should drink less than 17 standard drinks per week & 2 alcohol free days.
These are low risk weekly limits, and should be spread over the week. Drinking 6 or more standard alcoholic drinks (3 pints of beer) on single occasion is considered binge drinking. Drinking alcohol as a young person seriously damages your development.
Further Information
· Alcohol Action Ireland www.alcoholireland.ie
· Drink Help.ie www.drinkhelp.ie 01 878 0610
· Drink Aware www.drinkaware.ie
· HSE National Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459 helpline@hse.ie
· DRUGS.IE online drug test www.drugs.ie Phone 1800 459 459
· www.yourdrinking.ie
· AA www.alcoholicsanoymous.ie 01 842 0700 Leinster Phone Service 01 852 7000
· Al-Anon Ireland www.al-anon-ireland.org Helpline 01 873 2699
· National Family Support Network – supporting family members living with substance misuse www.fsn.ie
Dual Diagnosis support for a person who suffers from a substance misuse problem and another mental health problem. To access support email info@dualdiagnosis.ie