Reduce your alcohol consumption this festive season

South Africans love to celebrate – and celebrations of all kinds often go hand-in-hand with an array of alcoholic beverages.

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) says that alcohol consumption in South Africa is off the charts.

They explain that according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, South African drinkers on average consume 64.6g of absolute alcohol per day per drinker – among the highest in the world and about double the global average.

Road traffic fatalities in South Africa are also nearly double the global average with Arrive Alive reporting that about half of road accidents involve drivers under the influence of alcohol.

Alcohol addiction is a chronic condition and it is very easy to relapse, with something as simple as a stressful day triggering the need to consume alcohol.

Family and friends secretly struggling with alcoholism might be triggered by afternoon gin and tonic, which will snowball into a full relapse.

Alcohol use disorder is diagnosed if at least two of the below symptoms are experienced, according to psychologists:

– Drinking more alcohol or continuing to drink for longer than intended.

– Wanting to lessen or stop alcohol consumption but being unable to do so.

– Spending a great deal of time obtaining, drinking or recovering from alcohol consumption.

– Craving alcohol or experiencing strong urges to drink alcohol.

– Failing to meet expectations or fulfil obligations at home, school or work due to alcohol consumption.

– Experiencing persistent interpersonal and social problems caused or worsened by alcohol consumption.

– Foregoing occupational, recreational or social activities due to alcohol consumption.

– Consuming alcohol in situations where it is hazardous to do so e.g. driving under the influence.

– Consuming alcohol despite persistent physical and psychological problems caused or worsened due to alcohol consumption.

– Developing a tolerance e.g. needing more to feel the intoxicating effects of alcohol.

– Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when alcohol consumption is lessened or stopped.

It’s not only important to be aware of the dangers of alcohol consumption in your own life but also to consider how your use of alcohol might influence those around you.

Here are some tips to help celebrate this festive season mindful of the harmful effects of booze:

– Avoid binge drinking – quickly drinking to the point of intoxication.

– Keep low alcohol drinks and serve a variety of alcohol-free drinks such as alcohol-free beers and non-alcoholic sparkling wines.

– Use alcohol-free spirits, such as non-alcoholic gin, in cocktails.

– Keep track of the amount of alcohol consumed – keep the bottles around until the party is over for a visual representation of the amount consumed.

– Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach.

– Consider any medications you take and their possible interactions with alcohol – check on google if you are unsure.

– Avoid consuming alcoholic drinks around children or persons with a known alcohol dependency problem

– Set limits before your celebration begins, plan how many drinks you will allow yourself.

– Remember you do not have to consume alcohol to have a good time.

Here are some helpful numbers to contact should you need to:

– Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line: SMS 32312, or WhatsApp: 076 535 1701, or call 0800 12 13 14

– NICRO National Head Office: 021 462 0017

– Lifeline National Counselling Line: 0861 322 322

-South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Substance Abuse Hotline: 0800 11 8392, 011 234 4837 or 0800 20 50 26.

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