Safe Drinking

Drinking safely is an important part of your health. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of several cancers and can worsen diabetes control. It can also be harmful for your unborn baby during pregnancy.

Safe drinking means different things for different people depending on their health, age and weight. For some people, not drinking any alcohol at all is the best option.

Generally, in any one session, you should drink no more than:

• six standard alcoholic drinks (for men)
• four standard alcoholic drinks (for women)

Other tips for safe drinking include:

• eat some food and drink water while drinking alcohol
• per week, limit yourself to 21 standard alcoholic drinks (for men) and 14 standard alcoholic drinks (for women)
• have at least two alcohol-free days every week when you don’t drink alcohol at all
• it is best not to drink any alcohol during pregnancy because of the risk of physical and mental health damage to your baby

It is also important to be a safe role model for others, especially children and young people (who cannot legally purchase alcohol until they are aged 18). Based on Australian research, there are six practical steps parents can take to reduce alcohol-related harm for their children:

• Maintain positive communication with your children, especially as they grow into the teenage years
• Monitor your children/teenagers’ activities and friendships - know where they are, who they are with and what they are doing
• Don’t get intoxicated in front of your children/teenagers
• Don’t supply your children (or other people’s children) with alcohol
• Have clear consequences for unwanted behaviour
• Express warmth and affection for your children/teenagers

For more information talk to your doctor or nurse, or visit:

The Alcohol Drug Helpline offers free confidential information, insight and support on any query or problem you have about your own or someone else’s drinking or drug taking. Call 0800 787 797 or visit www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz which includes a directory of addiction treatment and advice services available throughout New Zealand. The Helpline, which is open every day from 10am to 10pm, also offers a dedicated Maaori line 0800 787 798 and Pacific line 0800 787 799.

The Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC) offers advice and resources on how to drink responsibly, how to ease up on the drink, what’s in a standard drink and how to manage your drinking.