Alcohol

Drugs are an issue that affect everyone in society and most of us come across drugs in some form or other in our everyday life. Lots of people use drugs every day and some could not survive without them.

There are lots of myths around about drug use and it is sometimes difficult to know what or who to believe. There is no doubt that some drugs are illegal and can be dangerous, but we cannot ignore the fact that they are there! Some of us will never take drugs, and some already have, but we all need to know what's what to keep ourselves safe.

Alcohol ~ Sensible Drinking

Alcohol is the drug of choice in our society and many people in jersey enjoy alcohol. It is found in many drinks which all vary in strength so it can be difficult to keep track of how much you are drinking.

One way to estimate the amount you are drinking is to count the number of units in each drink.

As a rough guide:

Half pint of standard beer (alcohol vol. 3.5%) = 1 unit

Half a 175ml glass of wine = 1 unit

A single 25 ml or 'shot' of spirits = 1 unit

Click on the picture below to work out your alcohol units!

It is recommended that adult women should drink no more 2-3 units a day and adult men 3-4 untis a day.

There is no recommended safe daily unit consumption of alcohol for people under the age of 18.

Young people are more easily affected by alcohol than adults as their bodies are generally smaller and lighter and are still developing.

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL

The exact effect that alcohol has on you will depend on many things including your size, age, gender and how much you usually drink.

A small amount could make you feel much more relaxed and sociable, while larger amounts are likely to affect your speech and co-ordination.

Alcohol also affects your emotions and decisions.

If you drink a lot, you may suffer a 'hangover' where you feel ill for a day or so afterwards.

For more details about the effects of alcohol - click here!

RISK OF ALCOHOL

Mixing alcohol with other drugs can be very dangerous or even fatal. Heavy drinking over time can cause liver and heart problems.

Binge drinking (large amounts in one session) can put an enormous strain on your liver and there is also a danger of choking on vomit if you become unconscious while drunk.

Alcohol lowers inhibitions and makes you more likely to get into an argument, fight or sexual experience you will later regret.

These risks can be minimised by planning your drinking, staying with your friends and staying in control. After drinking you will be less aware of what you are doing and in greater danger of accidental injury.

Driving or operating machinery under the influence is not only dangerous and risky but it is also illegal!

DRINK PROBLEMS

If someone has a drink problem, it starts to interfere with their life and the lives of those close to them.

Some people become dependent on alcohol, but it can also impact on your life in other ways - you don't need to be an alcoholic to have a drink problem.

 

For help and support around alcohol, telephone:

Alcoholics Anonymous (for problem drinkers) ~ (01534) 726681

Alateen and Al-Anon (for children and families of drinkers) ~ (01534) 870924

Where to go for help

Jersey Alcohol & Drug Service ~ Tel: (01534) 445000

Jersey Health Promotion Unit  ~ Tel: (01534) 443900

  

 

It is ILLEGAL for anyone under the age of 18 to drink, buy or attempt to buy alcohol on licensed premises. It is also an offence for someone over 18 to buy alcohol for you without your parent's permission.

Police officers have the power to confiscate alcohol from young people under 18 if they are drinking in public and causing disorder.

The officer will request your name and address and your parents may be informed. A failure to comply with the officer's request would lead to your arrest.

There are also by-laws in force banning the drinking of alcohol in certain places on the island.

If you are under 18 you cannot enter licensed premises unless there is a designated area, or if you are accompanied by an adult. However, if you are in a licensed restaurant with your parent(s) or anyone over the age of 18 and you are having a meal, it is okay to drink wine, cider or beer.

Drinking and driving is a serious criminal offence. If caught you are likely to lose your license and face a hefty fine and several penalty points.

For more information about alcohol check out