The Bronx Journal Online-Health
What is Safer Drinking?
Debra Lafler
Health Educator
Safer Drinking is a concept that we are
borrowing from ‘Safer Sex’. ‘Safer Drinking’, or as it is
sometimes called, ‘Responsible Drinking,’ requires a few things.
First is the decision to drink, or not to drink. Choosing NOT to drink
or do drugs is O.K. Choosing not to drink could be based on medical
health, mental health, athletic training/competition, religious or
spiritual practice, socio-cultural practice, family, age-related
legalities, other legal issues, or any other personal reasons. Just as
not having sex is the one true way to be completely safe, not drinking
(or not using drugs) is the one true way to be completely safe from
consequences.
But if we do choose to drink, we must plan
to do so safely and responsibly.
SAFER DRINKING TIPS:
Before you go out to a social event where
alcohol will be present, decide if you want to drink. If you don’t
want to drink, respect your decision and expect others to respect it
too.
Decide who is going to drive BEFORE you go
out, and let that person stay sober. Don’t drive when under the
influence, and don’t be a passenger in a car driven by someone who is
under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you find yourself without a
sober driver at the end of the night, call a cab. The cost of the cab
ride will be worth the lives you may save not only the lives of you and
your friends, but also those of innocent victims.
If you choose to drink….
Don’t take any over-the-counter or
prescription medication without first checking with your doctor or
pharmacist to see if it can be mixed with alcohol. Some substances mixed
with alcohol can be fatal.
Set a limit on how many drinks you are
going to have. If it will help you, partner with a friend and ask
him/her to help you stick to your limit.
So, I drink alcohol…what could be the
consequences?
There are a number of concerns related to
alcohol use and abuse. Alcohol lessens the ability to reason and make
sound decisions, including how much alcohol we can handle. That is why
it is important that we establish our limit and pace BEFORE going out.
Sexual Concerns
In our society, we associate dating and
social scenes with alcohol use. Being intoxicated can alter our ability
to make safe choices when it comes to making sexual decisions. Sexual
encounters may end up not being safe, or fail to be safe due to motor
control inability even if precautions are attempted. Furthermore,
alcohol can lessen our performance ability when it comes to sexual
relations.
Sexual assault is also a concern. 90% of
all sexual assaults are alcohol related – in that the victim and/or
perpetrator was using alcohol at the time of the attack. Most
perpetrators who intentionally set out to sexually assault their victim
will use alcohol and/or further substance (Rohypnol, GHB, Special K) to
sedate their victims. Men and women are drugged and are sexually
assaulted frequently, although, unfortunately men are less likely to
report the crimes. Furthermore, most of the crimes committed are not
reported at all due to the uncertainty, confusion and guilt feelings of
the victim. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted,
please refer them to the Student Health Center: T3-118, or Counseling
Center: Old Gym-114.
Depression
Even though alcohol is used as a
"party" and "fun" inducing substance, it is actually
a depressant. Alcohol slows us down - physically, mentally, and
emotionally. For people who are already depressed, sad, or upset,
alcohol will only increase those feelings.
Accidents
Alcohol lessens our physical ability. It
depresses our central nervous system and its communication with our
musculo-skeletal system, meaning that when we want to move, our response
is slower than what used to. Therefore, the body will move
"sloppily" and in an uncoordinated fashion, causing accidents,
and often result in personal injury.
Drunk Driving also has serious
consequences. Driving while under the influence, or getting in the car
with someone who has been using alcohol or drugs is very dangerous.
Because motor ability is slowed, the influenced driver is most likely
going to get into an accident by making a mistake, or not being able to
react quickly enough to another car, person, animal, or object. Serious
injury and death are usual in drunk or drugged driving accidents not
only for those that are in the car, but also innocent bystanders.
Medical Concerns
There are medical concerns from alcohol use
both in the short-term and also after many years of abuse.
Short Term Health Concerns:
Headache
Irritation of esophagus and stomach
Vomiting
Emotional upsets
Accidents
REM sleep disturbances
Blackouts
Unconsciousness, coma, death from
respiratory failure
Long Term Health Concerns:
Central Nervous System
Premature aging of the brain
Atrophy of the brain/loss of brain cells
Loss of reasoning ability
Poor Memory
Reduced blood flow
Cancer
Heavy consumption appears to be related to
increased cancer risk of the:
Mouth
Pharynx & Larynx
Esophagus & Stomach
Colon & Rectal
Breast cancer in women
Heart Disease
Mild to severe intoxication decreases the
force of the heart muscle’, pumping action
Chronic heavy use leads to scar tissue,
heart enlargement, clots in heart chamber linings
Heart rhythm disturbances
Hypertension (high blood pressure) and
stroke
Liver Disease
Acute "Fatty Liver Disease" as a
result of a decrease in the breakdown of fatty acids
Hepatitis and jaundice as a result of liver
inflammation
Liver cell destruction and scarring
resulting in cirrhosis
Pancreas
Pancreatitis (inflammation) associated with
severe abdominal pain and weight loss, which can be fatal.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Debra Lafler, Prevention Program Manager
& Health Educator
Student Health Center -Building T-3; Room 118,
Tel: 718 960 8903
Dr. Sheryl Jacobson, Director
Counseling Center - Old Gymnasium Building; Room 114
Tel:718 960 8761
|