Alcohol Abuse
We all love to have a good time. Whether that is partying down at the Vault, a nice drink in the Terrace Bar or a house party with friends, chances are there is going to be alcohol involved.
My name is Harry Sampson. I’m your friendly neighbourhood Communications Officer and today I’ll be talking about alcohol abuse.
Before we get into the details, this article is not meant to promote prohibition; the stance taken by myself is that doing anything to excess has consequences. It is a matter of liberty that we be allowed to enjoy things legal yet unhealthy to our bodies; alcohol, fizzy drinks, even chocolate. However, it is when you enjoy to excess that abuse becomes the intolerable situation. As with almost everything in life, proper restraint is needed.
Health Issues
The simple pieces of advice are those most commonly told; make sure you never drink on an empty stomach, don’t mix and have plenty of water to make sure you avoid any painful effects.
Alcohol abuse starts small; one or two more drinks there, then suddenly more and more on a much regular basis. Eventually, that euphoria you’ve been chasing becomes a drudging dependence.
Most important and most dangerous are the health problems associated with regular excessive drinking. Going above the NHS recommended limits of 3-4 units a day for men and 2-3 units for women can result liver cirrhosis, depression, gout, memory loss and depression.
Hitting the threshold of 8 units a day for men and 6 units for women also makes it more likely to gain weight, lose sleep, experience sexual problems and have a higher blood pressure. Some benefits of avoiding alcohol abuse include saving money from expensive bingeing, as less spent on drink means more money is available for food, textbook or clothes shopping.
What is really crucial is the impact it can have on your University career; everyone needs time to study. That dedicated and reflective study simply isn’t going to happen if you spend all your time (and money!) on alcohol.
Make sure you don’t transform those cheeky pre-drinks into an awful memory better forgotten!
Who Can You Go To For Help?
Anyway, that’s plenty of the reasons NOT to abuse alcohol. But what if you want to seek advice and help? There are several ways you can do this. Visit Student Services, call Alcoholics Anonymous on 08009177650 or consult a medical professional is health problems start to manifest.
Hopefully you will have a brilliant time at the University of Winchester, study hard and party just as hard. Just remember restraint is vital; avoid health problems, save money and prevent embarrassing situations that can all arise from abusing alcohol.
You are an independent, free-thinking individual and don’t need to become a slave to any addictions; stay free, stay safe.
