Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most commonly used drugs in New Zealand
Did You Know?
- Alcohol can increase the risk of mouth and oesophageal cancers, breast cancer in women and bowel cancer in men.
- The World Cancer Research Fund recommends a maximum of two drinks a day for men and one a day for women to control risk factors for cancer and that children and pregnant women should not consume alcoholic drinks.
- Drinking problems and dependence on alcohol don’t only affect the lives of people drinking but also the lives of those around them.
- 125,000 teenagers under the age of 17 fall into the category of binge drinkers. 75,000 will drink regularly - once every two weeks - and binge. Binge drinking is when you drink more than six standard drinks (for men), or four standard drinks (women). One standard drink is a 330ml bottle of beer or a 100ml glass of wine. In New Zealand it is estimated that alcohol harm costs somewhere between $1 billion and $4 billion a year. It costs $240 million in crime and related costs.
- Negative consequences include hospital admissions, deaths, road accidents and assaults.
- 3.9% of all deaths in New Zealand in 2000 were alcohol-related (approximately 1040 deaths).
What Can You Do?
- Have one or two alcohol free days per week.
- Always eat before and while you are drinking.
- Alternate alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.
- Monitor your alcohol intake.
If you would like to cut down your alcohol consumption
- Work out a personal limit per day, per week or per occasion - and stick to it.
- Tell your friends that you are cutting down.
- Do more activities that don't involve drinking.
- Ring the Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797 for free, confidential advice and resources to help you cut down.
