ADS Leeds Alcohol Awareness Bill Owen Service Manager

Aims To gain a greater understanding of alcohol and how it can affect people To examine and think about how you can influence people to drink more responsibly and have a good time.

What role does alcohol play in your jobs as social secs. ?

Welcome What do people enjoy about drinking? Why else might people drink?

What do we know about alcohol? What is a unit? What are the guidelines on recommended daily intake for men and women? How long does it take to process a unit of alcohol?

Confused!!! A rule of thumb guide is the percentage of alcohol in 1 litre of drink is equivalent to the number of units. A litre of 40% vodka would have 40 units A 750 ml bottle of 12% wine = 9 units A 500ml can of 5% beer = 2.5 units.

Otley Run

What do we know about alcohol? What kind of a drug is alcohol? A central nervous system depressant A psychoactive drug At lower doses can relax and lead to euphoric feelings At higher doses can impair motor and sensory function and impaired cognition At even higher doses can lead to unconsciousness and possible death

Risk Increasing risk drinkers (who are at an increasing risk of damaging their health) are defined as: Men who regularly drink more than 3 to 4 units a day (but drink less than the higher risk levels) Women who regularly drink more than 2 to 3 units a day (but drink less than the higher risk levels) Higher risk drinkers (who have a high risk of alcohol-related illness and of damaging their health) are defined as: Men who regularly drink more than 8 units a day or more than 50 units of alcohol per week Women who regularly drink more than 6 units a day or more than 35 units of alcohol per week The impact of alcohol on health: Alcohol harms health through three mechanisms: 1) acute intoxicating effects, occurring after a binge 2) chronic toxic effects, following prolonged periods of drinking at harmful levels 3) propensity for addiction leading to physical and psychological dependency.

Short term risks What are the short term risks? Risk taking behaviours The health risks of excess alcohol include: Weight problems Stomach upsets Headaches Anxiety, stress, depression Poor concentration Difficulty in sleeping Raised blood pressure More serious effects include: Accidents and injuries Liver disease Cancers Strokes Memory loss Sexual difficulties Risk taking behaviours Unprotected sex/ unwanted sex Fighting/ Violence Accidents Drink+ Drugs Poor Judgement Driving/ cycling/ traffic accidents Damaged relationships Criminal records

Central Nervous System Brain Cells Heart Throat and Gullet Lungs Muscles Liver and Pancreas Stomach & Intestines Kidneys Tingling Fingers Sex Organs Bone Degeneration

Alcohol and sport Diuretic – leads to dehydration Interferes with how body makes energy Day after lack strength and power High in sugar – more calories + less fat burnt Can effect muscle growth Disrupts sleep pattern and growth hormones Reduced testosterone Can affect heart rhythms More prone to injury Recovery from injury slows down

https://www. drinkaware. co https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/healthy-lifestyle/can-alcohol-affect-sports-performance-and-fitness-levels

‘Alcohol more harmful than heroin’

Question Turn to the person sat next to you............. Describe how you think other people see you after a couple of drinks? Now describe how you think other people see you at the end of a night of heavy drinking?

One glass of white wine or a pint of lager (approximately two units): You’re talkative and you feel relaxed. Your self-confidence increases. Driving ability is already impaired, which is why it is best to drink no alcohol if you're driving. Two glasses of white wine or two pints of lager (approximately four units): Your blood flow increases. You feel less inhibited and your attention span is shorter. You start dehydrating, one of the causes of a hangover. Three glasses of white wine or three pints of lager (approximately six units): Your reaction time is slower. Your liver has to work harder. Your sex drive may increase, while your judgement may decrease. Four glasses of white wine or three and a half pints of lager (approximately eight units): You’re easily confused. You’re noticeably emotional. Your sex drive could now decrease and you may become less capable.

Responsible drinking messages Don’t force people to drink more than they should or would like to. Likewise don’t feel you have to drink because others are. Avoid rounds where possible Drink soft drinks Have some food in your stomach before drinking Drinking and drugs not a good idea!

Finish the night with a smile....... On your face!