For better or for worse, alcohol is often an integral part of the social life of young people…and of the not so young. Although alcohol consumption is legal for people 18 and over in Quebec, alcohol remains an addictive drug and a toxic substance. Drinking can be lethal if the dose is high enough. In fact, 10 Canadians die in the hospital every day due to substance abuse and 75% of these deaths are directly related to an over consumption of alcohol [1].
Éduc’alcool therefore recommends the following maximum safe doses: for a woman it is 2 drinks per day or 10 per week, for a man it is 3 per day or 15 per week. A reminder: one drink equals one beer, one glass of wine or one and a half ounces of strong alcohol.
If you don’t drink, it’s better not to start since alcohol is not good for your health, even in small quantities.
If you do drink, you are encouraged to limit your consumption according to Éduc’alcool’s recommendations: alternate each alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic beverage or a glass of water, wait an hour between drinks, eat before and during (it absorbs the alcohol!), and avoid participating in games that force you to chug large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time.
Take your time, enjoy the moment and give your body time to absorb what you give it!
Still need convincing?
Did you know that drinking even small amounts of alcohol increases the risk of getting certain cancers, including liver, throat, mouth, colon, rectum and breast cancer? These risks increase even more if you smoke and drink alcohol. [2]
Did you know that alcohol stays in women’s bodies longer and at higher levels than in men’s?[3]
Did you know that heavy drinking can cause erectile dysfunction in men and menstrual irregularities and infertility in women?[4]
Did you know that it can also cause loss of appetite, dietary deficiencies, infections, stomach lining irritation and alcoholic liver disease (the last two conditions can be fatal)?[5]
Did you know that drinking alcohol at any time during pregnancy can cause physical and intellectual disabilities in the baby? This is called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Alcohol is highly toxic to the normal development of the fetus. If you think you are pregnant or want to become pregnant, the best option is not to drink alcohol at all. [6]
