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How much do you know about alcohol?
Before you drink you should...
All of these
Always eat food and drink water when consuming alcohol. Eating slows down the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream by keeping it in the stomach longer. Water keeps you hydrated. Always plan your route home - never drink and drive.
Mixing beer, wine and spirits gets you drunk more quickly.
False
This is a common myth. Alcohol is alcohol, whether it comes from beer, wine or spirits. The effect is determined by how much you drink, not what you drink.
Which of the following contains the most alcohol?
All contain the same
A standard serving size of spirits, beer or wine all contain the same amount of alcohol. A standard drink is generally about 10 grams of alcohol. The effect on your body is determined by how much you drink, not what you drink.
Men and women of the same size drinking the same amount of alcohol feel the effects of alcohol equally.
False
The liver processes alcohol via an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase or ADH. Women have less of the ADH enzyme in their bodies. This means they might drink the same amount, but feel the effects more strongly.
How long does it take your liver to process a single measure of spirits?
If you want to cut down on calories in your drink, you should only drink wine. Beer and spirits are fattening.
False
There are around 200 calories in an average 200ml glass of wine. By comparison, a 25ml measure of spirits contains around 50 calories and a 330ml bottle of beer contains around 150 calories. Remember, the calories in your drink will depend on the strength of the alcohol, the size of serving and any other ingredients or mixers you enjoy in your favourite drink.
Drinking beer is a healthier option than having a glass of wine or a mixed spirits drink like a cocktail.
False
A standard serving size of spirits, beer or wine all contain the same amount of alcohol. A standard drink is generally about 10-15mls of alcohol. The effect on your body is determined by how much you drink, not what you drink.
Children can drink a little bit of alcohol to understand how to drink responsibly as adults.
False
Children and underage persons should never drink alcohol. There are many harms associated with drinking at an early age, including impairment of brain development, increased risk of mental health disorders, alcohol poisoning, injuries and accidents.
What are the potential risks associated with consuming illicit or counterfeit alcohol products?
All of these
The purchase of illicit alcohol can put your health at risk. It is often of poor quality and produced in unhygienic and unsanitary conditions. It is also outside of government regulation, untaxed and often connected to criminal activity, which harms legitimate business.
Do you now feel you know more about alcohol and its effects on the body?
