ചേതസ്സ് സത്യമേവ ജയതേ നാനൃതം
The detrimental effects of alcohol on health cause a variety of problems and the frequency of excess alcohol use are becoming a major reason for hospitalization in our country and especially in Kerala.
SAFE DRINKING
People are not aware of the safe amount of alcohol one can consume without producing health hazards. In our country, the percentage of alcohol in different beverages are as follows.
- Beer – 6%
- Wine – 4%
- All others(Brandy, Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Jin) – 42.8%
The units of alcohol can be determined by multiplying the volume of the drink in ml by its % alcohol by volume and dividing it by 1000.
How much can one drink?
The recommended safe limits per week for alcohol are 21 units for Men and 16 units for Women. This total amount may be taken either in divided doses every day or once in two or three days limiting to the maximum allowed dose per week.
Self-assessment of alcohol dependency
If a drinking individual consumes more than the allowed amount of liquor in a week, it’s necessary one should accurately assess whether his drinking has reached a level of dependency.
C – Have you ever felt the need to Cut down your alcohol consumption?
A – Have you felt Angry at others criticizing your alcohol consumption?
G – Do you feel Guilty about your excess drinking?
E – Do you ever drink in the mornings (Eye – opener)?
Two or more positive answers could indicate a problem of alcohol dependency and the need for professional medical help.
