Effects of Alcohol

Maybe you want to socialise over a jug of beer, hang out at the pub after work or have a few drinks over dinner. Modern pubs serve interesting and innovative alcoholic cocktails  that appeals to working adults and youth.

The active component of alcoholic beverages is ethanol, a compound that has a strong effect on the psyche. Ethanol is intoxicating and addictive.

Taken in small quantities, it lowers inhibitions making it a welcome icebreaker in social occasions. People talk a lot more and socialise with greater ease after a few drinks. Alcohol, in any amount, affects physical and mental abilities, lowering speed and accuracy. In excess, it can lead to drunken behaviour, increasing the risk of car accidents and personal injuries (e.g. permanent disability and death). 

Constant drinking disrupts family life due to irresponsible and violent behaviours as the drinker loses control of emotions over minor matters and may escalate into making unreasonable demands for money to spend on drinks [1].

Did You Know?

Alcohol contains a lot of calories. One gram of alcohol provides 7 calories, just a tad less than fat (9 calories per gram). If you drink alcohol regularly, do not be surprised if you sport a classic beer belly.

Excessive drinking can lead to obesity and is associated with the following health risks such as cancer of the mouth, throat and oesophagus; liver diseases (such as hardening of liver); brain damage and memory loss; sexual dysfunction, especially male impotency [2,3].

If you are below the age of 18 years, you should not drink alcohol because your body processes it more slowly. So, the negative effects last longer and are stronger than that experienced by an adult.

Those of legal age to drink, do note that your drinking habits can court both health and social risks. Here are some suggestions to help you minimise your risks:

1.Moderation is Key

Check if you can drink

Before you start drinking alcohol, check with your doctor if you can. Individuals with health conditions such as a family history of high blood triglycerides, uncontrolled high blood pressure, inflammation of the pancreas, liver disease, certain blood disorders, heart failure and kidney disease, should not drink.

Always run your medication list by your doctor and ask specifically if you can drink alcohol while you are taking them [1].

Never ever mix social drugs with alcohol as it is illegal to take drugs in Singapore and can lead to serious physical, behavioural and health complications. Mixing drugs with alcohol can amplify the effects of each substance and trigger dangerous interactions [4].

Amount

If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation. Men should drink no more than two standard drinks a day, and women, no more than one. A standard alcoholic drink is defined as a can (330 ml) of regular beer, half a glass (100 ml) of wine or 1 nip (30 ml) of spirit.