Alcohol

Alongside with tobacco, alcoholis one of the most commonly consumed legal drugs.

It is created by the fer­men­ta­tion of sugar from fruits and other sources of sugar (potatoes, grains or maize) and is consumed in the form of beer or wine, for example. The fermented brew can be made (distilled) into schnapps or other spirits.

Good to know …

• Alcohol is a cytotoxin, reaching the bloodstream via the stomach and small intestine. It therefore spreads throughout the body, potentially damaging all organs.
• There are no ​“tricks” for accel­er­at­ing the elimination of alcohol from the body. Most of the alcohol is eliminated by the liver: neither sleep, coffee, sport nor fresh air can fast-track this elimination process, although they may sub­jec­tive­ly enhance a sense of well-being.
• Sugar and carbon dioxide accelerate the absorption of alcohol and its effect. Also, sweetness conceals the taste of alcohol, its effect often being under­es­ti­mat­ed as a consequence.
• Women typically have a higher per mill level than men for the same alcohol consumption. This is due to the smaller proportion of body water in women and slower alcohol elimination in the liver.
• The typically lower body weight of children and adolescents results in the alcohol having a (potentially drastically) greater effect.
• The frequently used term ​“binge drinking” is misleading. Most adolescents, and adults as well, do not intend to drink themselves senseless. Typically, those who have to be hos­pi­talised with alcohol poisoning have under­es­ti­mat­ed the effect of the alcohol.
• In the case of alcohol addiction, physical withdrawal (detox­i­fi­ca­tion) should always be conducted under medical supervision, because an abrupt end to alcohol consumption can trigger life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

Tips for responsible use of alcohol

• For physical health, it is best not to consume alcohol. However, for those who choose to drink alcohol:
• For healthy adults, low risk consumption is deemed to be:
  • for men, a maximum of two standard glasses of alcohol per da
  • for women, a maximum of one standard glass of alcohol per da
  • refrain from alcohol for at least two days a week

What is meant by one standard glass of alcohol is a glass containing between 10 and 12 grams of pure alcohol, e.g. beer (0.3 l), wine (0.1 l), schnapps (4 cl).

• Do not drink too quickly and too much (no drinking games, take breaks, e.g. with non-alcoholic beverages)
• Do not use alcohol to quench your thirst
• Do not drink alcohol when performance, con­cen­tra­tion and quick reactions are required: driving, workplace/​school, sport
• Refrain from alcohol during pregnancy and breast­feed­ing
• Clarify what risks alcohol consumption poses given existing ailments
• When celebrating together (party, etc.) keep an eye out for one another and make sure you get home safely.

Peri­od­i­cal­ly go without alcohol, e.g. for 4 weeks, and see to what extent one has become habituated to alcohol and how important it is (then change drinking habits, where appropriate).

Signs of risky drinking habits

• If alcohol is playing an increas­ing­ly important role in your life (strong cravings)
• Alcohol consumption has not been curbed despite bad experiences (e.g. mental blanks, arguments with friends/​family, violence)
• Loss of control over starting and stopping drinking:
  • for example, one repeatedly resolves not to drink alcohol but then doe
  • one fails to curb one’s evening alcohol intake
• If one is able to drink increasing amounts of alcohol without becoming drunk (habituation)
• If one needs more alcohol to achieve
• Alcohol consumption in inap­pro­pri­ate situations, e.g.:
  • if performance, con­cen­tra­tion, and the ability to react are required (driving, work/​school, sport)
  • during pregnancy
  • if accompanied by the use of medication
  • if there are previous medical conditions

There is no such thing as a risk-free consumption of legal and illegal drugs!

When consuming any legal and / or illegal drug, the sub­jec­tive­ly perceived effects depend on various factors (how consumed, dose, age, gender, environment, mood as well as experience and expectation).

Consumption of any drug can result in addiction.

The consumption of legal and illegal drugs is to be discouraged:

• During adolescence (physical and mental development)
• When driving and during other activities requiring a ​“clear head” (e.g. sport, when operating machinery, …)
• At the workplace / at school
• During pregnancy and breast­feed­ing
• If there are previous medical conditions

Particular care is also required:

• If the quality of the product is unknown and cannot be checked
• In the event of combined use, e.g. alcohol and other drug
• When medication is taken at the same time