Being drunk, wasted or stoned affects your judgement and might
mean you do things you might not usually do; and that may mean that
you are more likely to have unsafe sex.
Tips for keeping an eye on your drinking
Try and remember to drink to be social - not to binge and get
drunk. Keep in mind that you don't have to keep up round for round;
you can drink at your own pace.
Eat something! Food slows down the absorption of alcohol in your
stomach so eating before or during a night out is a good idea.
Drink water or non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol dehydrates
you so remember to drink water during and after a night out - your
head will thank you for it, as well as your complexion. Having
water or soft drinks between alcoholic drinks is good because it
will slow down your drinking pace.
How much is okay?
- Alcohol is measured in units. Take a look at the number
of Alcohol Units are in the most
popular drinks.
- It is recommended that men aged 18 and above can safely drink
up to 3 - 4 units per day or 21 units per week
- The limit for women is 2 -3 units per day or 14units per
week.
- THERE IS NO RECOMMENDED SAFE LIMIT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
UNDER 18.
- It is good for your health to have at least 2
alcohol-free days every week.
- Check how many units you are drinking by trying the
Alcolator
Heavy drinking can damage organs like your brain and liver - not
to mention your relationships, bank balance, job or studies. If you
find yourself often drinking alone or think you might have a
problem controlling how much you drink, you should talk to someone.
For confidential information, advice or support about alcohol
here's where to go:
- Drinkline Scotland is available 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week. Trained operators can offer advice and support
on any alcohol concerns, and put you in touch with local services.
Phone: 0800 7 314 314
- Drinking and You: Information about drinking
and health at http://www.drinkingandyou.com/site/uk/moder.htm
- The Place young peoples' clinic at the Sandyford has an alcohol
and drug worker who can help. You can call Tricia 0141 232
8447 who will offer support if you are worried about your
own drinking or someone close to you who is drinking too much.
Drugs and Sex
All drugs involve risks and side-effects. But there are special
risks in combining drugs with sex that you should know.
Like with alcohol, using drugs and having sex can lead you to
take risks that you wouldn't otherwise take, either because you are
less sensitive to pain, or your inhibitions have been reduced, or
because you are not able to take control of a situation. So, you
are more likely to:
- have sex that you did not consent to;
- have unprotected sex and put yourself at risk of pregnancy or
an STI;
- have sex that hurts you;
- not be able to remember the sex that you had.
Different drugs will have different effects on your body. If you
are going to take drugs, you should make sure you understand what
you're doing. You can find out more about drugs on the know the
score website http://knowthescore.info