Alcohol and drugs

Alcohol

Quick links on this page:

• How might alcohol affect me?
• If someone you know is drinking too much
• Contacts

We know that throughout Scotland today alcohol is an important part of most people's social lives. Parents often think that drinking alcohol is just a natural part of growing up. This is understandable when you consider the relatively small amount of attention given to alcohol compared to drugs and AIDS.

The fact is that young people are much more likely to try alcohol than become involved for example with illicit drugs. It is also worth remembering that young people can become involved with alcohol at a relatively young age. Drinking is likely to cause problems for young people if they do not know the facts about alcohol and the possible consequences of drinking.

Problems arising from alcohol misuse can range from feeling unwell, poor performance at school, college or work, unplanned pregnancy, getting into fights, trouble with the police, as well as arguments with parents and carers.

Always remember that you are not alone and that you can get help.

How might alcohol affect me?

Here are a few facts to consider and perhaps add to your existing knowledge.

• Sensible drinking limits for adult men and women are up to 21 units per week for a man and up to 14 units per week for a woman. Ideally drinking should be spread throughout the week.
• Young people cannot handle alcohol as well as adults. Sensible drinking limits for young people should be much less than those mentioned below.

All drinks have their strength shown on the label which indicates the alcohol by volume (ABV). This is the amount of pure alcohol in a drink. The alcohol by volume might range from around 3% in beers and lagers to 40% in spirits. It is worth bearing in mind that drinks with a lower alcohol by volume are not necessarily less harmful. It just means that you can drink larger quantities before feeling the effects.

If someone you know is drinking too much

Parents, for example, recognise that it is important to show a good example to children on a whole range of things. This includes drinking alcohol. It may though be difficult to know what to say and to give an accurate message to young people. Listed below are a few pointers:

• Be prepared to discuss alcohol in an open and friendly manner. By not discussing alcohol young people may think that you approve of their drinking. Worse still they may think that you are just not interested. Talking about alcohol shows you care. It may be a mistake to assume that someone else will teach your son or daughter what it is important for them to know.
• Try not to lose your temper when discussing alcohol. Preaching and moralising are likely to have little effect. If your son or daughter is under the influence of alcohol it is probably better to wait until they are sober to discuss the matter in an open and non-judgmental manner.
• Think about where you keep drink in the house. Many people will sample alcohol if they have easy access to it in the home. If drink keeps disappearing find out who is drinking it.
• Think about your own drinking at home when young people are around. What will they think if they see you drunk, hungover or aggressive?
• Think about your attitude towards the availability of alcohol at teenage parties. Things sometimes get out of hand if it is free and flowing. It can be helpful to negotiate what drinks will be available.
• If you are worried, or you find drugs or any drug related equipment, ask for help. The confidential 'Know the Score' Information Line 0800 587 5879 and website www.knowthescore.info can give you the information about what to do next.

Choosing the right moment to discuss alcohol with people is not always easy. By discussing it though over a period of time you can hopefully put across the key points without preaching or shouting. Very often the subject may come up in a TV programme which can act as a springboard for further discussion.

• Most people drink alcohol at some stage. It is not the end of the world if this happens within your own family!
• Try to discuss in open friendly manner – even when things happen that you do not approve.
• Remember that alcohol can be enjoyed if taken in sensible amounts.

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