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Alcohol facts
Low to moderate doses |
Higher doses |
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Some of the effects that may be experienced after drinking alcohol include:
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When someone drinks heavily over a short period with the intention of becoming drunk, it is sometimes referred to as "binge drinking". Binge drinking is harmful because it results in immediate and severe drunkenness. As well as the health risks, it can lead people to take unnecessary risks and put themselves and others in danger.
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Coming down
Hangovers
When someone drinks heavily, they may experience a range of symptoms the following day. These symptoms are called a hangover and may include:
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Sobering up
Sobering up takes time. The liver gets rid of about one standard drink an hour. Cold showers, exercise, black coffee, mints, fresh air or vomiting will not speed up the process. Someone who drinks a lot at night, may still be affected by alcohol the following day.
Long-term effects
Some of the long-term effects of drinking more than the recommended guidelines include:
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Other effects of alcohol use
Taking alcohol with other drugs
The effects of mixing alcohol with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can be unpredictable and dangerous. Always read the instructions or seek advice from a health professional before mixing alcohol with medications.
- Mixing alcohol with other depressant drugs such as benzodiazepines or GHB can cause a person’s breathing and heart rate to decrease to dangerous levels and increase the risk of overdose. Drinking alcohol and smoking cannabis together can increase the chances the unpleasant effects, including nausea, vomiting and feelings of panic, anxiety and paranoia.
- Combining alcohol with stimulant drugs places the body under great stress and can mask some of the effects of alcohol. For example, if a person combines alcohol with energy drinks that contain caffeine (a stimulant) they will still be affected by the alcohol but may not feel as relaxed or sleepy. They may feel more confident, take more risks and increase the chances of experiencing alcohol-related harm such as drinking too much or being injured in a fight or accident.
Social problems
All areas of a person’s life can be affected by alcohol use.
- Disagreements and frustration over alcohol use can cause family arguments and affect personal relationships.
- Legal and health problems can also add to the strain on personal, financial and work relationships.
Men and women
At low levels of drinking there is little difference between men and women. However, at higher levels of drinking:
- women are at a greater risk of developing an alcohol-related disease such as cancers, diabetes and obesity
- men are at a greater risk of an alcohol-related injury such as a car accident, assault and violence.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Read about the effects of alcohol on pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Driving
Read about the effects of alcohol on driving.
Alcohol and the workplace
Read about the effects of alcohol in the workplace.
Tolerance and dependence
People who drink heavily on a regular basis may become dependent on alcohol. They may also develop a tolerance to it, which means they need to drink larger amounts of alcohol to get the same effect.
Dependence on alcohol can be physical, psychological, or both. People who are dependent on alcohol crave alcohol and find it very difficult to stop using it. People who are psychologically dependent on alcohol may find they feel an urge to use it when they are in specific surroundings or socialising with friends. Physical dependence occurs when a person’s body adapts to alcohol and gets used to functioning with it present.
Withdrawal
If a dependent person stops drinking alcohol, they may have withdrawal symptoms because their body has to get used to functioning without alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms usually start about 4–12 hours after the last drink and can continue for about 4–5 days. These symptoms include sweating, tremors, nausea and anxiety.
Withdrawal from alcohol carries the risk of seizures or fits. Medical assistance may be required to help the person get through withdrawal safely.
Getting help
Treatment
In Australia, there are many different types of treatments for drug problems. Some aim to help a person to stop using a drug, while others aim to reduce the risks and harm related to their drug use. Find out more about treatment.
What to do if you are concerned about someone’s alcohol use
If you are concerned about someone’s alcohol use, there is help available. Contact the alcohol and drug information service in your state or territory.
What to do in a crisis
Always call triple zero (000) if an overdose is known or suspected—and remember that paramedics are not obliged to involve the police.
If someone overdoses or has an adverse reaction while drinking alcohol, it is very important that they receive professional help as soon as possible. A quick response can save their life.
Visit the Better Health Channel to read St John Ambulance’s advice on drug overdose.
Alcohol use in Australia
Statistics
According to the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, in 2007, alcohol is the most widely used drug in Australia.
From 1996–2005, an estimated 32,696 Australians aged over 15 years and older died from alcohol-related injury and disease caused by risky/high risk drinking.
For more statistics about the use of alcohol in Australia, visit our Quick statistics page.
Alcohol and the law
There are laws that govern how alcohol may be used. These laws may differ, depending on the state, territory or local area. For example, in some areas local by-laws make it illegal to drink alcohol in public places such as beaches, parks and streets.
Read more about alcohol and Australian law.
For legal advice specific to your situation contact a legal aid service in your state or territory.
National drug policy
Australia’s national drug policy is based on harm minimisation. Strategies to minimise harm include encouraging people to avoid using a drug, through to helping people to reduce the risk of harm if they do use a drug. It aims to reduce all types of drug-related harm to both the individual and the community.
Find free resources on alcohol.
This information has been adapted from the pamphlet How Drugs Affect You: Alcohol, produced by the Australian Drug Foundation. For single copies of this pamphlet contact DrugInfo. Multiple copies are available from the ADF Bookshop.
Last updated: 4 February 2011
