Alcohol
In Western society drinking alcohol is an accepted part of normal social life. Some research studies suggest that, in small amounts, it can have some health benefits. But when used in excess, alcohol is a major cause of ill health, and social and domestic problems.
Alcohol produces its effects by entering our bloodstream. Small amounts are absorbed through the wall of the mouth and the stomach lining, but most of the alcohol enters the bloodstream through the wall of the small intestine. Alcohol is then carried to all parts of the body. This happens more quickly if you:
- drink strong drinks (for example spirits);
- drink carbonated (sparkling) drinks such as cider or Champagne;
- drink quickly; or
- drink on an empty stomach.
The body gets rid of alcohol in a variety of ways. Most (about 90 per cent) is broken down in the liver. This takes about an hour for one standard drink. Small amounts of alcohol are also lost in the air we breathe out, in perspiration and in our urine.
There is no way of speeding up the body's ability to get rid of alcohol. Drinking coffee, having a cold shower and vomiting make no difference.
Alcohol affects different people in different ways. This will depend on the person (age, sex, general health, body size, personality and mood at the time), the drink (strength, how quickly consumed, other food or drugs present) and the circumstances (being alone, at a party, driving a car or operating machinery). The effects of alcohol can be divided into immediate and long-term effects.
- Immediate effects include the slowing down of mental activity (change in inhibitions, judgement and self-control), problems with the digestive system (stomach pains and vomiting) and physical changes such as impotence and loss of balance.
- Long-term effects include permanent brain damage, injury to the liver producing hepatitis and cirrhosis, ulcers in the stomach and damage to the pancreas that may produce pain, malnutrition and diabetic complications.
For all these reasons it is important to be careful to use alcohol in moderation. This means that both men and women should stick to a maximum of 2 standard drinks a day, and have no more than 4 standard drinks on a single occasion.
A standard drink is:
- a can (375 mL) of mid-strength (3.5 per cent) beer;
- a glass (100 mL) of wine; and
- one serve (30 mL) of spirits.
If possible, everyone should aim to have at least 2 days each week when they have no alcohol at all.
Last Reviewed: 20 April 2009
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