Alcohol and drug use

Moderation is the key in the safe use of alcohol, and an understanding of other illicit drugs can be highly beneficial if you are involved in grandparenting and need to be aware of drug use and misuse.

Alcohol risks

Alcohol is the most widely used social drug in Australia. Moderate use may, for some, be beneficial for the heart. However, excessive long term use is associated with liver disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, epilepsy, and some cancers. It is also a significant factor for short term harm at all ages, especially amongst older people as the tolerance for alcohol decreases with age, and can result in risk related activities such as drink driving and mixing alcohol with certain medications.

Weight Gain

Alcohol is also very high in calories, and best consumed in moderation of you are looking at keeping your weight under control. Every gram of alcohol contains 29 Kilojoules of energy. A standard drink contains 10g of alcohol. One small glass of beer, wine, spirits or mixed drinks equals approximately one standard drink. Alcoholic cider and cans of premixed spirits equal at least one-and-a-half standard drinks.

Moderate consumption

Low Risk alcohol consumption is best for ensuring a healthy lifestyle, and can be measured thus:

• Men: up to four standard drinks a day puts you at low risk for health problems. Five to six standard drinks puts you at considerable risk, while seven or more standard drinks a day is considered high risk for developing health problems.
• Women: up to two standard drinks a day puts you at low risk for health problems. Three to four standard drinks puts you at considerable risk, while five or more standard drinks a day is considered high risk for developing health problems.

It is best for both men and women to also have two alcohol free days per week.

The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing has an information site on Australian Alcohol Guidelines. If you have any questions about alcohol and alcohol intake you can call 1800 010 125

Other drugs

In the role of parenting and grandparenting, information on other illicit drugs used by younger members of society can be helpful in a range of ways. For additional information on the symptoms and side effects of illicit drugs such as amphetamines, Ecstasy, Cocaine, Heroin and Cannabis, refer to HealthInsite: Drugs

For further information visit the Better Health Channel: Some Facts about Drugs