Alcohol is commonly used substance that can have negative effects.

It is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the messages travelling between the brain and body. Regular and heavy use of alcohol can cause have negative impacts on mental, physical, and social wellness.

Drinking less is better for your health than drinking more. The liver can only process small amounts of alcohol, meaning that the rest can harm your liver and other organs as it moves through your body.

Moderate alcohol use is defined as having one drink or less in a day for women, or two drinks or less in a day for men. 

 

What is a standard drink?

What is a standard drink?

Beer, wine, and hard liquor (distilled spirits) all contain alcohol. The following common alcoholic drinks contain equal amounts of alcohol and are considered one (1) standard drink:

 
  • One mixed drink containing 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) of 80-proof hard liquor, such as gin, whiskey, or rum
  • One 5 fl oz (148 mL) glass of wine
  • One 12 fl oz (355 mL) bottle of beer or wine cooler

Proof is the amount of alcohol in hard liquor or distilled spirits. The percentage of pure alcohol in the hard liquor is usually one-half the proof. For example, a 100 proof liquor is about 50% pure alcohol. Thus, the higher the proof, the more pure alcohol the hard liquor contains.

 

How to be Safer When Drinking

Safety Tips When Drinking

  • Come up with a plan with your friends about how everyone will get home safely. Make sure your driver is sober.
  • Know the signs of alcohol poisoning and how to help someone suspected of having alcohol poisoning.
  • Talk to your friends if they are making someone uncomfortable with their advances.
  • Watch out for others and stop someone from tampering with others' drinks.
  • If someone needs help, don't hesitate to ask others for help (friends, bartenders, party hosts, 911).
  • Learn how to administer CPR for potential cases of severe alcohol poisoning.
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning occurs when someone drinks too much alcohol in a short amount of time. Know the signs of alcohol poisoning to help identify it in others and help.


Signs of alcohol poisoning:

  • mental confusion and stupor
  • difficulty remaining conscious
  • vomiting
  • seizure
  • slowed/irregular breathing
  • clammy skin or paleness
  • slow heart rate
  • loss of gag refex
  • low body temperature (chills and shivers)

What to do if someone you know is suspected of having alcohol poisoning

  • call an ambulance and be prepared to tell the operator your location 
  • if the person suspected of having alcohol poisoning is awake, try to keep them seated in an upright position and awake
  • if you can't get a response/they are unconscious, roll them onto their side (see recover position)
  • Be prepared to administer CPR if the person stops breathing prior to an ambulance arriving
  • If muscle spasms or seizures occur, clear the immediate area around the person to avoid injury.
Alcohol Use Disorder

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

AUD can be defined as the addiction to and/or dependency on alcohol.

Behavioral signs of AUD:

  • Regularly drinking more or for a longer time thank you initially intended to
  • Not being able to reduce alcohol consumption or frequency even though your intentions are to reduce consumption
  • Spending lots of time drinking or recovering from the effects of drinking 
  • Finding that alcohol is taking priority or precedence over other aspects of your life (work, family, relationships, etc.)
  • Drinking interferes or negatively affects your work, relationships, and other responsibilities

If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol use disorder, reach out or refer your friend to Counseling and Psychological Services. You can call our office at 316-978-4792. We offer free consultation to individuals in need and assist in providing resources that are available and may provide assistance.

For additional information about alcohol and general substance misuse, visit our Substance Misuse Counseling and Help page.