What is the Recommended Low-Risk Threshold for Avoiding Adverse Health Consequences From Drinking?
“Generally, most people should not drink more than one to two standard drinks daily.”
The Department of Health (DoH) has revised its guidelines for alcohol consumption. It recommends how much individuals should drink for the first time, depending on their age and gender. The previous national drinking guidelines based abstinence as the sole measure of low-risk drinking.
-Generally, most people should not drink more than one to two standard drinks per Day (8-10 grams of alcohol). This applies to both men and women and all age groups.
The recommended limit is zero alcohol consumption per Day for pregnant women and young people (up to 18 years old). There is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and alcohol can damage a young person’s developing brain.
-The guidelines also take into account drinking patterns and the amount of alcohol that can be safely consumed on one occasion. For example, people should not drink more than four standard drinks daily.
-The Department of Health advises people who wish to drink alcohol to do so in moderation and spread their intake over three days or more. Consuming alcohol with food can also help to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.
So, What are Standard Drinks?
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A standard drink is 10 grams of alcohol. This is equivalent to a:
-330ml can of beer (4.7% alcohol)
-100ml glass of wine (12% alcohol)
-30ml shot of spirits (40% alcohol)
On 22 May 2016, the Department of Health released new national drinking guidelines that recommend a low-risk threshold to avoid adverse health consequences from drinking alcohol.
The previous federal drinking guidelines were abstinence as the sole measure of low-risk drinking. New Zealand ranks high in its binge-drinking rate with 1 in 5 Kiwi drinkers being classed as binge or excessive drinkers according to Statistics New Zealand 2013 data.” Department of Health” Dept of Health. 22 May 2016.
“national drinking guidelines” New Zealand Dept of Health. N.d. Web. 22 May 2016.
“standard drink” Alcohol and Drug Foundation. N.d. Web. 22 May 2016.
“How much alcohol is safe to drink?” Drinkaware, 13 Apr 2016 Drinkaware, 13 Apr 2016. Web. 22 May 2016.
“moderation” MedlinePlus. 20 Mar 2014. U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. 20 Mar 2014. Web. 22 May 2016.
“What are the health risks of binge drinking?” Drinkaware, 4 Dec 2015. Web. 22 May 2016.
“Department of Health” Dept of Health. 22 May 2016.
“Drinkaware” Drinkaware, 13 Apr 2016 Drinkaware, 13 Apr 2016. Web. 22 May 2016.” MedlinePlus” MedlinePlus. 20 Mar 2014. U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. 20 Mar 2014. Web. 22 May 2016.
“Alcohol Drug Helpline” Alcohol Drug Helpline, N.d. Web. 22 May 2016.
“…you are in crisis…” NHS CHOICES UK National Health Service, 9 Nov 2015 NHS CHOICES UK National Health Service, 9 Nov 2015. Web. 23 Mar 2017… “111” 111. N.d. Web. 23 Mar 2017.
New Zealand ranks high in its binge-drinking rate, with 1 in 5 Kiwi drinkers being classed as binge or excessive drinkers, according to Statistics New Zealand 2013 data.” Department of Health.” Department of Health. 22 May 2016. “National drinking guidelines.” New Zealand Dept of Health. N.d. Web. 22 May 2016.
“standard drink” Alcohol and Drug Foundation. N.d. Web. 22 May 2016 “How much alcohol is safe to drink?” Drinkaware, 13 Apr 2016 Drinkaware, 13 Apr 2016 Web .22 May 2016 “moderation” MedlinePlus. 20 Mar 2014. U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. 20 Mar 2014 Web .22 May 2016 “What are the health risks of binge drinking?” Drinkaware, 4 Dec 2015 Drinkaware, 4 Dec 2015 Web .22 May 2016
Where Can I Get Help with Drinking?
If you’re in crisis, go to your nearest emergency department or call 111.” Alcohol and Drug Foundation” Alcohol and Drug Foundation N.d Web .22 May 2016 “Department of Health” Dept of Health 22 May 2016 “aware” Drinkaware, 13 Apr 2016 Drinkaware, 13 Apr 2016. Web .22 May 2016 ” MedlinePlus” MedlinePlus. 20 Mar 2014 U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. 20 Mar 2014 Web .22 May 2016 “Alcohol Drug Helpline” Alcohol Drug Helpline N.d Web .23 Mar 2017
How Can We Stop Drinking?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to stop drinking will vary from person to person. However, some tips on stopping drinking include seeking professional help, attending support groups, and changing your environment.
What are the Disadvantages for the Health of Drinking Alcohol?
The short-term effects of alcohol can include nausea, vomiting, and intoxication. The long-term health effects could consist of liver diseases such as cirrhosis, heart disease, stroke, and a weakened immune system.
Can we Drink Alcohol When We are in The Age of People Under 18 Years Old?
There is no legal drinking age in New Zealand. However, there are recommended guidelines for safe drinking. Children under 12 should not drink any alcohol at all. From 14 – 17 years old, it’s recommended that children have no more than two standard drinks a day to avoid harming their developing brains and bodies from excessive drinking.
What are the Disadvantages of Drinking if We Drink Too Much?
Some adverse effects of excessive alcohol consumption include liver disease, heart disease, depression, and dementia. Drinking to excess can also lead to addiction. If you think you may have alcoholism, seek help immediately.
How Many People Die every Day Due to Drinking too Much or Too Strong Alcohol?
In New Zealand, around 160 people die because of alcohol-related causes, including liver disease and accidents (Statistics New Zealand 2014). About 1,500 people end up in hospital every Day because of alcohol-related health conditions (New Zealand Drug Foundation 2013).