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  • Parents Urged To Address Dangerous Drinking Culture among Youth

    A leading health expert has urged parents in Western Australia to communicate with their children better about alcohol. Now more than ever before alcohol problems and binge drinking are an issue plaguing WA youth, they are drinking from a younger age and doing so with the intention of getting drunk. Now health experts are advising parents to talk to their children about alcohol to help alleviate some of these issues.

    Apparently parents that talk to their children about alcohol can positively influence their drinking behaviour and choices, according to Mike Daube, the director of the McCusker Centre for Action on Alcohol and Youth. According to Mike Daube, parents are vitally influential in their children’s lives. Parents who question how much they can really do to help their teenagers when it comes to alcohol problems should be aware that talking to your children about alcohol and drugs actually does have an impact on their behaviour.

    But the Professor warns that it isn’t only what parents say that matters, what they do is just as important. Parents need to understand that they set the most important example. If children see their parents abusing alcohol, they are likely to follow this example.

    This post from WAtoday.com.au explains:

    “There are two things that matters – it’s what parents say and do. If parents keep finding ways to talk with them and show the way by example – children will be much more likely to pay attention.”

    John Rogerson, CEO of the Australian Drug Foundation, said working with parent groups had revealed more information was needed to help parents broach the conversation.

    To mark Drug Action Week on Monday, the ADF released a new website to help parents talk openly with their children about alcohol and drugs.

    “Drugs are often still a taboo subject within families. We want to make it easier for parents to feel comfortable enough to initiate the conversation about alcohol and drugs, and feeling informed is a big part of that,” Mr Rogerson said.

    Professor Daube said WA had one of the worst youth-drinking cultures in the country, which was why it was so important for parents to be involved.

    The tip of the iceberg is that every day in WA, one child under the age of 18 years is so drunk that someone has to call an ambulance,” he said.

    Read more: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/parents-can-change-was-dangerous-youth-drinking-culture-20130616-2oc97.html#ixzz2WScyYANJ

    The Professor goes on to warn that youths who fell under the most concerning bracket were found to be pre-loading and going out and getting drunk. Pre-loading is a problematic practice whereby people load up on alcohol at home before heading out on the town in an effort to save money and get more drunk.

    The Professor also said that the way alcohol is being advertised is promoting it to youth like never before, which is why parent’s need to take an even more active role in their children’s lives. Professor Daube said WA had a “very significant problem” when it came to underage drinking and parents need to act in order to have a positive effect on their children.

     

  • Drinking Habits Connected with Weight

    We’ve all heard it being said that our alcohol habits are connected to our waistline, in other words the more we drink the more weight we gain, but a new study examines why certain women who drink frequently develop a “beer belly” while others can drink daily and not gain weight.

    Most drinks are a combination of carbohydrates, sugar and ethanol. The ethanol is absorbed into your bloodstream while the remainder of the drink (sugar and carbs) is processed by the body as other foods are, the normal digestive system. The alcohol or ethanol however is diverted to the liver instead and burned off quite quickly. The sugars and carbs mix with whatever else is being digested by your body and is likely to be stored as fat.

    Just as certain foods are more fattening and make you gain weight when you eat them excessively, so too alcoholic drinks with a high calorie content will have the same effect.

    Researchers therefore point out drinking is not the problem, it is how often we drink and how much we drink that is likely to contribute to our waistlines.

    An article from FoxNews.com discussed the issue at great length, here is an excerpt from that post which should shed some light on the issue:

    A 2010 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine may be the best news for booze since the 21st Amendment. Researchers found that women who had one or two alcoholic drinks a day were actually less likely to gain weight than those who shunned the sauce. And they did it while consuming more calories overall (from food and drink) than both heavy drinkers and teetotalers.

    Short of striking a deal with the devil, how did they manage to pull that off? Researchers believe that the bodies of long-term moderate drinkers somehow adapt to metabolize alcohol differently than heavy or occasional drinkers. They use more energy, burning the calories in the drink—or even more than that—while digesting it, Dr. Lu Wang, the lead researcher of the study and an instructor in medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, said.

    Read the full article: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/06/14/drinking-alcohol-to-shrink/#ixzz2WTMHM6y1

    So what should you do to avoid excess weight from alcoholic drinks?

    The truth is that researchers have collected data which proves that moderate drinkers actually enjoy healthier lives than teetotallers, so abstinence is not necessary, however moderation is advised.

    Never ever drink alcoholic drinks on an empty stomach and if your do intend on snacking while drinking, which is recommended, choose healthier options rather than unhealthy, greasy options which normally accompany a night of drinking such as crisps, chips, burgers and other fast foods.

    Eat a healthier dinner before you start drinking rather than drink on an empty stomach. Order or cook before you start drinking so you’re not tempted to go for the less healthy options once you start downing alcohol.

    Pace yourself by taking small sips and again don’t feel pressurized into keeping up with your friends. Drink at a pace that you are comfortable with and avoid binge drinking.

    Don’t overdo it! Binge drinking is never a good idea, for your physical health, mental health and overall wellbeing.

     

  • British Researcher Dispute Belief Moderate Pregnancy Drinking Harmful

    Women are always being told not to drink when they are pregnant and particularly in Australia there has been somewhat of a drive to educate women about the danger alcohol can pose to a developing foetus.

    That is why it seems strange that a British researcher now claims that there is no evidence to support abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy.

    According to an article on Irishtimes.com research published in the British Medical Journal’s BMJ Open online publication moderate drinking by pregnant women does not harm the development of unborn babies. This was deduced from research which evaluated around 7000 children up to the age 10. Moderate drinking for pregnant women is defined as no more than 3 to 7 glasses of alcohol a week.

    The article on Irishtimes.com goes on to explain:

    The children were drawn from a 14,000-strong group born in or around Bristol between 1992 and 1993, who have been examined frequently since birth as part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.

    The majority of their mothers – 70 per cent — followed regular medical advice and had drunk no alcohol during pregnancy. The remaining women drank between one and two glasses a week for some and three to seven for others. A glass is defined as a British pub measure of spirits, half a pint of lager or cider, or a standard wine glass of wine.

    The ability was tested of 7,000 10-year-olds to walk on a beam and stand on one leg, with eyes open and closed.

    Curiously, the women who had drunk during and after their pregnancies had the best performing children.

    Low to moderate alcohol consumption did not seem to interfere with a child’s ability to balance, say researchers. However, income plays a role: better static balance is linked to wealth and education.

    Source: http://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/moderate-drinking-not-harmful-in-pregnancy-according-to-british-researchers-1.1431164

    This study is just one on the subject, there are countless previous studies which prove that alcohol consumption, particularly excessive consumption can be seriously dangerous for the unborn, growing baby, with previous researchers claiming brain development can be heavily impacted by even a few drinks. Also it is hard to say how much alcohol is acceptable or how much it takes before the foetus is negatively affected.

    A recent article on News.com.au presented a very different view of pregnancy drinking. According to the article if children have memory impairment and struggle to follow instructions they may actually have an undiagnosed foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

    The article suggested that younger mothers in particular seem to placing their babies at risk by binge drinking during pregnancy. More education and awareness needs to be created around the situation, especially to mothers aged 18-29 and school girls as well.

    The article also states that young women that binge drink are in fact producing a new generation of school children that have problems such as learning disabilities, lack of judgement and social skills, poor attention spans and impulsive behaviour, all of which can be detrimental to their education.

    Read the full story at: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/foetal-alcohol-syndrome-linked-to-binge-drinking-by-mums/story-e6frfkp9-1226609211264#ixzz2PaI0xwXv

    So with 2 conflicting opinions from 2 seemingly qualified sources it may be difficult to figure out whether or not to drink while pregnant. Some would prefer to err on the side of caution and abstain completely when they are pregnant whereas others would prefer to take a chance. If you agree with the British research and do decide that drinking during pregnancy is acceptable remember it is never acceptable to binge drink but especially not when you are pregnant. Only drink in moderation and never more than 3-7 glasses of alcohol a week.

     

     

  • RSA Staff – Importance of Paying Attention to Patrons

    What does the work of a bartender or waitron involve? Simply serving food and beverages to customers? Actually bartenders, waitron and staff of licenced venues’ responsibilities involves much more than merely taking people’s orders, it involves ensuring that the harm done to society by alcohol abusers is minimised. This is done by enforcing Responsible Service of Alcohol legislation and following the rules set out by the law and the establishment you work in.

    It is true that the level of alcohol fuelled misconduct in entertainment districts all across the country has gotten out of hand and has public servants such as the police and medical staff as well as the  public concerned, some even too scared to venture into certain districts on weekends or at night. Violent attacks, brawls and drink driving are the main problems and RSA staff do not need to sit back and observe but can actually do something to improve the situation.

    One of the ways that RSA staff can contribute to a safer Oz is by observing and enforcing responsible service of alcohol laws, such as never serving alcohol to unduly intoxicated patrons. Paying better attention to customers is one of the ways RSA staff can ensure that some unduly intoxicated patron is not slipping through the cracks.

    While many RSA staff may be of the opinion that it’s just none of their business how much alcohol a patron consumes, according to the law they have a responsibility to never serve alcohol to unduly intoxicated patrons.

    The consequences of serving unduly intoxicated patrons can go beyond fines for licensees and their staff, people can be hurt and lives can be lost if responsible service of alcohol rules are not followed. For example if a patron you serve excessively becomes drunk and assaults another patrons or someone outside the venue, you and the licensee may be held accountable. Consequences could be even worse if someone’s life was to be lost as a result.

    Responsible service of alcohol training teaches workers how to identify intoxicated patrons and how to deal with them. It also teaches RSA staff the consequences they and their employer may face if RSA laws are breached.

    If staff of licenced venues pay more attention to their patrons and begin enforcing RSA rules more closely, we should see a decline in alcohol fuelled violence and misconduct on our streets.

    Managers of licensed venues should ensure all their employees are properly trained and know the products that you sell as well as being trained in Responsible Service of Alcohol. Staff of licensed venues from security staff to bartenders must obtain the RSA certificate and keep a copy of the certificate on the premises at all times.

    By paying better attention to customers and ensuring that you are your co-workers do not serve too much alcohol to patrons, you too can do your bit in reducing alcohol fuelled problems in the country.

     

  • Parents Beware of Giving Alcohol to your Kids

    Alarmingly research in Australia has revealed that most teenagers who drink aren’t buying their own alcohol but are most often being given alcohol by their parents.

    Parents may believe that giving alcohol to teens is a way of actually keeping them out of trouble by encouraging them to drink in their presence rather than behind their back, parents need to realise the physical effects of alcohol on a developing adolescent.

    The culture of binge drinking has become an extremely problematic one in Oz, with most teenagers drinking to unacceptable levels causing them to engage in dangerous activities which threaten their health and wellbeing, but what is even more concerning is that most of these teen binge drinkers are actually obtaining alcohol from an adult rather than buying it from RSA staff themselves.

    Something parents should remember is that binge drinking may not seem dangerous now but in addition to serious immediate and long term health effects, it can lead to the use of other drugs. It is commonly referred to as a “gateway drug” because it can open the door for other illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and heroin.

    Alcohol is a drug that works directly on the central nervous system. Studies show that alcohol kills more male teenagers and young men than any other drug taken to affect mood and behaviour including heroin, cocaine and marijuana.

    Numerous studies have in the past discovered strong links between drinking early in life (ie. adolescence) and becoming a binge drinker later in life, many of whom progress on to alcohol addictions.

    In teens whose bodies are still developing and do not have any alcohol tolerance the problem of alcohol poisoning is particularly rife and potentially deadly. It is caused by alcohol slowing down the body’s functions such as breathing, heart rate, and gag reflex, thereby potentially leading to choking, coma, stopped breathing, stopped heart, and death.

    Waiters, bartenders, liquor store attendants etc. should ensure that they are not contributing to any of these teenage problems by asking everyone who looks under 23 for their proof of age and denying service to any underage patrons.

    Parents who demonstrate responsible behaviour and drink moderately and responsibly are the best teachers for children to learn good drinking habits, conversely parents who abuse alcohol and get out of hand every time they drink are likely to pass on bad habits to their kids.

    Not convinced? Then consider these damaging effects on youth:

    • Young, under developed organs can literally be poisoned by alcohol.
    • The liver can be damaged irreparably. It takes a few days for it to recover and to get back to normal functioning after a ‘session’ of binge drinking
    • A session of binge drinking can cause the heart beat to be so irregularly that it can stop.
    • The body can drop its temperature and suffer hypothermia. Every year some teens die when they get drunk and pass out in the freezing cold.
    • Too little sugar in the body can cause coma and seizures.
    • Breathing can become so shallow or slow that it can stop.
    • Disturbingly, one of the most common occurrences resulting in teen death from alcohol is when they choke on the own vomit because they are unconscious and breathe in the vomit. The body doesn’t get the oxygen needed resulting in brain damage and death.

     

  • USA Legislation to be passed about Calorie content on Liquor Bottles

    Are you aware of how many calories your favourite alcoholic drink contains? Would it surprise you to learn that one standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate or that a pint of beer can have as many or more calories than a packet of crisps? Most people don’t consider the fact that with regular drinking at a high rate, drinkers can notice a significant increase in their weight.

    Drinking in moderation is the best way of overcoming weight gain caused by excessive drinking. That means not exceeding the daily recommended amount for males and females and also not drinking heavily every day but leaving at least a 48 hour gap between heavy drinking sessions, however reading the calorific content of alcohol can help drinkers make the right choices.

    In the USA legislation has been tabled that will see alcoholic beverages getting nutritional labels like those seen on food packaging, however this will only apply if producers want this information conveyed to consumers, in other words it is not going to be mandatory.

    This article from http://latino.foxnews.com explains:

    For the first time, the Treasury Department, which regulates alcohol, said beer, wine and spirits companies can use labels that include serving size, servings per container, calories, carbohydrates, protein and fat per serving. Such package labels have never before been approved.

    However since the labels are voluntary, it will be up to beverage companies to decide whether to use them on their products.

    Source: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/health/2013/06/03/calorie-count-and-nutrition-labels-may-soon-be-required-on-all-bottled-alcohol/

    The ruling would allow the labels to declare alcohol content as a percentage of alcohol by volume, the approach favoured by the beer industry as well as display calorie content on the label.

    Making better choices:

    • If you are weight conscious, control your calorie intake by alternating one alcoholic drink with a glass of water, this helps the drinker stay hydrated and also limits the number of alcoholic drinks you consume in a night.
    • Never ever drink alcoholic drinks on an empty stomach and if you do intend on snacking while drinking, which is recommended, choose healthier options rather than unhealthy, greasy options which normally accompany a night of drinking such as crisps, chips, burgers and other fast foods.
    • Eat a healthier dinner before you start drinking rather than drink on an empty stomach. Order or cook before you start drinking so you’re not tempted to go for the less healthy options once you start downing alcohol.
    • Pace yourself by taking small sips and again don’t feel pressurized into keeping up with your friends. Drink at a pace that you are comfortable with and avoid binge drinking.
    • Remember just because something is labelled “light” doesn’t mean it won’t make you drunk and it also doesn’t mean that it is “fat free” – drink in moderation and responsibly to ensure that you do not suffer weight gain or become overly intoxicated by alcohol.

     

  • Turkey Passes Controversial Alcohol Restrictions

    Turkey’s parliament has just passed a law which has caused much controversy in the modern, largely Muslim country.

    The law would restrict the consumption and advertising of alcohol in the country, which although predominantly Muslim has always been considered a more liberal nation.

    The law which was passed on Friday last week, prohibits the sale of alcoholic drinks between 10pm and 6am and also prohibits alcoholic beverage companies from sponsoring events. The law also restricts where alcoholic drinks can be consumed.

    While supporters of the law say it will protect society and particular children from the harms of alcohol, critics say it will allow the state, known for being a mix between the Muslim and European culture to become more pious and conservative.

    This post from TheAustralian.com.au explains:

    Supporters of the measure – introduced by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) party, which has its roots in Islam – say the law is seeking to protect society, particularly children, from the harmful effects of alcohol.

    But critics see it as a sign of creeping conservatism in predominantly Muslim but staunchly secular Turkey and argue the legislation intrudes into private life.

    TV series, films or music videos are not allowed to contain images encouraging the consumption of alcohol under the new legislation.

    Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/turkey-debates-alcohol-restrictions/story-fn3dxix6-1226649601335

    Despite being a rather secular state, the majority of Turkey’s population is made up of Muslims. And under the current ruling party, which is Islamic-based, more Muslim based ideologies such as headscarves and limiting alcohol has become common. The current Prime Minister has been accused of attempting to make the secular country more conservative.

    Another controversial aspect of the law is that it introduces harsher punishments for people caught drink driving. Drivers will be issued with a hefty fine (approximately $A400) and have their licences taken away and not be allowed to drive for 6 months – this is for people caught driving over the 0.05 limit however people over 0.1 will face jail time of up to 2 years imprisonment. If that doesn’t serve as a deterrent to drink driving, I don’t know what will!

    The article goes on to state:

    Drivers with a blood alcohol content of more than 0.05 per cent will be slapped with a 700-Turkish lira (nearly $A400) fine and their driving licences will be confiscated for a six-month period.

    Drunken drivers with a blood alcohol level over 0.1 per cent will face up to two years’ imprisonment.

    The law must be approved by President Abdullah Gul to take effect. He is expected to sign it soon.

    Prime Minister RecepTayyipErdogan’s populist government, in power for over a decade, is often accused of creeping efforts to make the country more conservative and pious.

    Erdogan, a devout Muslim who does not drink or smoke, said recently that ayran, a non-alcoholic refresher made from yoghurt, was the “national drink” of the Turks.

    Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/turkey-debates-alcohol-restrictions/story-fn3dxix6-1226649601335

     

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol News: Drunken Women Assaults Police Officer

    An example of the effects of alcohol on some people has been demonstrated by an incident which happened on The Fraser Coast recently.

    A young woman, after taking a cocktail of alcohol and prescription medication became involved in a drunken brawl in a car parking lot in Pialba. The women then proceeded to assault one of the police officers intervening in the fight and had to be arrested.

    According to police who attempted to break up the fight the young woman continued to scream and cause a disturbance after police had broken up the fight. Police then decided to arrest the young woman who resisted, even kicking one officer in the leg. She refused to provide police with her personal details, showing defiance even after being arrested.

    Read what happened according to this post from www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au

    A YOUNG woman who kicked a police officer after a drunken brawl in the McDonald’s Restaurant car park in Pialba has avoided a conviction after pleading guilty in Hervey Bay Magistrates Court.

    Tara Kate Godfrey, 24, had committed the offence after she had mixed prescription medication and alcohol on February 17, the court heard.

    Police prosecutor Senior Constable Jeanette Grigoris said officers were called to attend a fight between a group of people in the carpark.

    They were speaking with a man after breaking up the fight and at that point, Godfrey created another disturbance, screaming abuse at some of the other girls in the car park.

    “I’m going to smash you, you f***ing sluts, f***ing c***s!” Godfrey shouted.

    Her abuse lead to her being arrested and charged with being a public nuisance, Snr Const Grigoris said.

    Godfrey tried to resist arrest, and kicked one of the police officers in the leg.

    She later failed to provide her identifying particulars to the police, the court heard.

    Source: http://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/news/young-woman-finds-medication-alcohol-and-police-do/1872783/

    According to the lawyer representing Ms Godfrey, she was a troubled youth battling with depression and anxiety who had simply over medicated herself by mixing alcohol and medication.

    The lawyer explained that she acted out of the ordinary because of her self-medication. This highlights even further the dangers of mixing alcohol with prescription or illicit drugs which can result in people acting in ways they wouldn’t ordinarily especially displaying increased levels of aggression. In her sober state Godfrey was apologetic for her actions and had to pay a $800 fine but managed to escape a criminal conviction.

    The post went on to explain:

    Duty lawyer John Milburn provided material from Fraser Coast Medical Centre, detailing Godfrey’s struggles with depression and anxiety.

    Mr Milburn said Godfrey had been “over medicated” at the time and when this mixed with alcohol the resulting behaviour was out of character.

    Godfrey apologised to the court and police for the way she acted.

    Magistrate Graeme Tatnell accepted this, and warned Godfrey about the dangers of mixing alcohol with medication.

    He said this would be her last chance to avoid having a conviction recorded for this sort of offence.

    Godfrey was fined $800.

    Read more: http://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/news/young-woman-finds-medication-alcohol-and-police-do/1872783/

     

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol News: Fears that New Supermarket Liquor Laws Threaten Queensland’s Pubs

    Concerns have been raised by a hotel advisory firm, PJT Accountants that new laws under consideration by the Queensland Government may severely negatively impact the hotel industry. Under these new laws, grocery stores would be able to sell alcohol – a move which the firm fears will affect the hotel industry.

    Speaking to theShout.com.au a partner at the firm, Wayne Patten detailed how he had met with Attorney General, Jarrod Bleije who has responsibility for the state’s liquor and gaming portfolio, raising with him concerns for hotels.

    This year the Newman Government released a discussion paper which requested input on the future of Queensland’s liquor and gaming laws and one of the issues tabled was whether alcohol should be sold in supermarkets.

    This is what the article on TheShout.com.au reported on the interview with Patten:

    Patten said grocery operators such as Aldi and IGA claim to be unfairly discriminated against by not being able to sell alcohol in a similar way to mega chains Coles and Woolworths.

    He said he explained to Bleije that in order to obtain this competitive advantage, Coles and Woolworths were required to purchase a local hotel to obtain the necessary liquor licence, an astute move overlooked by smaller operators and a significant investment which saw positive growth in business valuations throughout the industry.

    “These businesses have committed hundreds of thousands of dollars into purchasing and setting up detached bottleshops, and in the process employing thousands of Queenslanders,” he said.

    Patten, who previously owned a pub himself and still represents many hoteliers through PJT’s specialist hotels division, said many Queensland hotels are currently “hanging on by a thread”.

    “In some cases bank valuations are just 50 per cent of the value they enjoyed just four to five years ago when the industry was booming,” he said.

    “Many hoteliers are committed to long-term leases, negotiated when the market was buoyant. In this much tougher market, margins are thin but the lease outgoings remain constant.”

    Source: http://www.theshout.com.au/2013/05/13/article/Liquor-in-supermarkets-threatens-Queensland-pubs/YCPGKQDUBD.html

    Patten went on to explain that his firm’s belief was that the valuations of hotels were going to severely decline as a result of supermarkets being able to sell alcohol, an opinion which he says is shared  by leading banks and bank panel valuers. This is because as grocery stores begin to sell alcohol, there would be a reduction in bottleshops sales which will ultimately translate to a reduction in profits and therefore lessen the value of the hotel, according to Patten and his firm.

    Another important aspect to consider is the impact increased alcohol sales will have on the community. In order to minimise the damage done because of alcohol abuse and binge drinking, it is important anyone involved with the sale of alcohol undergo Responsible Service of Alcohol training.

    RSA training is a mandatory requirement for staff of licenced venues and if grocery stores do begin to sell alcohol, staff should undergo the training in order to minimise the impact on the community by learning how to serve alcohol in a responsible manner.

     

  • How to Enhance your Alcohol Enjoyment

    Alcohol has been referred to as the “nectar of the gods” that can enhance health, relaxation, pleasure and social interaction but consumed in excess, alcohol like all things in life can be detrimental. When you go to a party would you eat the entire cake by yourself? No, of course not so why is that some people think they can drink in excess without any consequences?

    So if getting drunk is bad for you why is that it is so socially and culturally acceptable? In Victoria for example 40 per cent of drinkers admitted to consuming alcohol for the sole purpose of getting drunk to the point of slurred speech and lost balance. This is an overwhelmingly high number of drinkers engaging in binge drinking and probably a large number of them also engaging in other alcohol related misconduct.

    According to a survey by the group FARE (The Foundation for Alcohol and Research Educations), two thirds of Aussies believe it is acceptable to get drunk. The survey also revealed that almost a quarter of Aussie drinkers report not being able to stop drinking once they start. They have most probably conditioned themselves to drink excessively over a period of time which is why they cannot stop at one or two drinks.

    FARE’s survey also revealed that 3.5million Aussies suffer from drinker’s remorse. This is indicative of a problem of self-control and a culture of excessive drinking engrained into people from a young age. Most Aussies don’t feel comfortable in a pub, bar or club without drinking and some (Around 25 per cent) drink until they can’t remember anything.

    Another problem identified by the survey which is contributing to the culture of “drunkenness” is pre-drinking. Around 50 per cent of drinkers drink at home before heading out to a club, pub or bar, many are already intoxicated when they get there.

    Here are some tips to combating excessive drinking:

    1. Know your limits and stick to it. In addition to knowing the legal limits and what constitutes a standard drink, develop a system to understand your limits and quit drinking before you get drunk.

    2. Eat food while you drink. It is particularly good to eat high protein foods such as cheese and peanuts, which help to slow the absorption of alcohol into the circulatory system.

    3. Sip your drink. If you gulp a drink for the effect, you are losing a pleasure of drinking, namely tasting and smelling the various flavours, for example in wine.

    4. Accept a drink only when you really want one. At a party if someone is trying to force another drink on you, ask for ice or drink a non-alcoholic beverage.

    5. Become a connoisseur,learn to choose quality rather than quantity. Learn the names of fine wines, whiskeys, and beers. Learn what beverage goes with what foods rather than just drinking the cheapest drinks so you can consume more and get more intoxicated.

    I came across an interesting saying which basically sums up responsible drinking it says, “Drinking responsibly means never having to feel sorry for what happened while you were drinking”.  Ultimately this means not becoming drunk.