Scottish Institute of Reflexology
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH
Everyone knows that alcohol is a toxin and excessive and prolonged intake will inevitably lead to irreversible liver damage. Safe drinking limits are reputed to be two to three units per day for women and three to four units per day for men. But what exactly constitutes a unit, and how does binge drinking figure in the scheme of things? If you had wine recently in a restaurant you would notice that there appears to be only approximately four glasses to a bottle where previously there were over six. This is due to the veritable buckets in which wine is now served, rather than the original 125ml small wine glass which was the measure of the original unit. For those of us who do not think we have a problem it is becoming harder to recognise safe drinking levels.
The effect of alcohol on an individual depends on several variables including size, sex, age, and perhaps critically, genes.
The Effects of Drinking
2 – 3 units for women , 3 – 4 for men per day
This is unlikely to cause serious effects although any amount of alcohol probably increases the risk of pancreatic damage which may lead to diabetes. At this level, people over fifty may actually benefit by reducing their risk of heart disease. There is, however an increased risk of cancer as between a quarter and half of all cancers of the head and neck are thought to be related to alcohol.
Half a bottle of wine a night over five years
The main risk is that this level may lead to dependency and a need for more. Sleep patterns may be disrupted leading to early morning waking. Cancers of the mouth, larynx, pharynx and oesophagus are also more common.
One bottle per night over five years
At this level there is a high chance of liver damage leading to cirrhosis and/or hepatitis. The effect of cirrhosis means that the liver is no longer able to perform the vast amount of chemical changes which are necessary to maintain good health. There may be no obvious symptoms but they can include a yellowish tinge to the skin, flatulence, anaemia, vomiting blood, lower back pain, and abdominal swelling.
Other effects of excessive long term drinking
Inflammation of the pancreas
Inflammation of the stomach
Heartburn
High blood pressure
Cancer
Osteoporosis
Muscle weakness
Skin problems, eg. Psoriasis
Memory loss, mental illness and dementia
Frequent infections as alcohol impairs the immune system
Sexual problems including impotence, reduced sperm count, reduced egg production and menstrual problems.
Binge drinking
Quite simply this means drinking until drunk. The long term effects depend on the frequency but bingeing will make the person more vulnerable to violence, accidents, unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Signs of drinking too much
Needing to have a drink to relax, increase confidence or forget worries.
Drinking more to produce the same effect.
Memory loss.
Driving after drinking
Frequent hangovers – cured by another drink.
Missing meals.
Drinking alone.
Shakes, night sweats and hallucinations
Being unable to stop even when warned it may prove fatal.
Sheila Peaston M.S.I.R.
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