Introduction:
Alcohol consumption has serious health problems, including alcohol dependence. Alcohol slows down neural activity (acts as a depressant). It has an impact on mood, behavior, senses, control, and coordination. Drinking too much alcohol can cause harm to the body. It affects almost all the body organs, damages them, and may result in death.
What Is a Standard Drink?
A standard drink is a measure of alcohol consumption that contains a definite amount of pure alcohol. A standard drink has approximately ten grams of pure alcohol in it.
What Is Moderate Drinking?
Moderate drinking means taking a drink or two a day.
For women, it is one standard drink per day.
For men, it is two standard drinks per day.
Moderate drinking may be safe for some, but there exist health risks.
What Is Excessive Drinking?
Excessive alcohol consumption includes heavy drinking or binge drinking. It means consuming more than four to five drinks during a single occasion.
Heavy drinking is categorized as:
Eight or more drinks per week for women.
Fifteen or more drinks per week for men.
Who Should Not Consume Alcoholic Beverages?
Some people should not consume alcoholic beverages such as:
Teenagers (less than 21 years of age).
Pregnant or expectant mothers.
If on medication.
Suffering from serious health illness.
Participated in a rehabilitation program.
While driving.
Effect of Alcohol on Body:
Alcohol affects almost all organs. It alters the heart rate, blood pressure, control and coordination, mood, and behavior. Depending upon the factors such as - the amount and duration of drinking, the health risks could be short-term and long-termed.
Let Us See How It Affects the Brain:
It interferes with the brain's functioning and takes a person to different moods as some may feel euphoria, and others might feel depressed or anxious.
Difficulty walking.
Lack of coordination.
Blurred vision.
Slurred speech is some other common effect.
Effect of Alcohol on Heart:
Excessive alcohol intake may lead to:
Weakening of heart muscle.
Impaired heart functioning.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Strokes.
Cardiomyopathy.
Effect of Alcohol on Other Organs Such As - The Liver and Pancreas:
It leads to:
Fatty liver.
Hepatitis.
Fibrosis.
Cirrhosis.
Pancreatitis.
Cancer.
Effect of Alcohol on the Immune System:
It weakens the immune system, decreases immunity, and makes the body more prone to infections. It results in the contraction of various diseases and deteriorates health.
How to Refuse a Drink?
There are various ways to refuse a drink. Some of the tips on how to dodge it might be of great help:
Say no.
Make excuses.
Substitute alcohol with a non-alcoholic beverage.
Drive home.
Shift the focus.
Add a pinch of humor.
Avoid undue pressure.
Take control of the bottle.
Your life, your choices.
Say No:
Alcohol is a trend in all circles. Hanging out with your friends, alcohol will be the first thing they order. Go to a pub or club, there also alcohol plays the chief role. These days even at weddings or simple get-togethers, alcohol is involved. But what if you do not wish to drink? How can you refuse to drink? Well, in that case, Do not hesitate to say no. No is not a word. It is a complete sentence. Nobody seeks an explanation. If you do not wish to drink, a simple - "No, thanks!" would work well. Be respectful and friendly yet firm and clear while saying so. If you get into a discussion, it would be prolonged, stretchy, and will give more opportunities to give in. Thus keep the response short and simple. If somebody insists on you, repeat your response. And if they force it on you, walk away.
Make Excuses:
Peer pressure and social influences play an important role in encouraging drinking habits. To avoid such pressures, one can always come up with excuses. There is no harm in telling a lie that saves you from something non-beneficial. And it is a better way to turn down a drink.
You can come up with some early class or shift work excuses, fear of parents and family members, or say you are on medication that prohibits you from taking alcohol.
Substitute Alcohol With a Non-alcoholic Drink:
Go for some non-alcoholic drinks such as fresh lime, soda, juice, or anything of your choice.
In a bar, choose alcohol-free beers, virgin pina, cola, or a better substitute that suits your choice.
Drive:
We know that drinking and driving may lead to road accidents and deaths. So you can offer a drive to your friends and stay sober. It will enable you to enjoy your time without people indulging you in drinks. They will show a feeling of gratitude towards you.
Shift the Focus:
If someone insists on you for a drink even after saying no persistently, what to do in such a situation? Well, in such a case, involve a third person, who accompanies your friend for a drink.
Start a conversation on different topics such as series, sports, movies, or anything and keep them engaged. You can also distract them by complimenting them. Divert the conversation to the dress they are wearing. Talk about different brands and your choices. Plan a shopping trip together. It will help you shift the focus from drinking to somewhere else.
Add a Pinch of Humor:
What if complimenting them does not solve the problem? Well, in that case, humor might be of great help. Try cracking jokes about alcohol such as - no alcohol is good enough to make me feel drunk, or anything of the kind. It will bring a zest of laughter and keep you away from the drink. Make sure to keep a polite, friendly tone and be particular.
Avoid Undue Pressure When Possible:
If you have a gut instinct that attending the party will end up in alcohol consumption, avoid such parties for the time being. It will bring you some ease and resistance. Remember, you are avoiding the party and not your friend. Try to catch up with them later and make sure that the meeting does not involve drinking.
Take Control Over the Bottle:
Well, that is another way to avoid drinking without even being noticed. Be the one who serves the alcohol around. Pour the glasses with alcohol, and nobody will notice that you do not have any.
It Is Your Choice, in the End:
Choosing a better option for your health and well-being should never be explained. It is your call. You are in charge of your decisions, and it is up to you how honestly you follow them.
Remember, you are doing things for your betterment. It would not benefit anyone else. Try to stick to the decision and even encourage others. It will bring along a lot of positivity and a desire to continue the path you created.
Conclusion:
Alcohol is just a fancy thing. Despite knowing its health hazards, people consume it on a large scale. Alcoholism (excessive alcohol consumption) might lead to various diseases, cancers, and even death. Refusing a drink is quite challenging, and people may consider you boring or outdated, but it is not a big deal. Drinking is a personal choice. Spending a good time doesn't necessarily involve drinking. One can have a good time even without drinking. And nobody can categorize you with the title of cool or uncool based on drinking. There are various tips by which one can turn down a drink. One can opt for them and happily avoid drinking. There are several reasons for quitting this habit, and not everybody is liable to get an explanation for the same.
Thus stay firm, stick to your decisions, stay motivated, and encourage others to choose a healthy way of living by not risking their lives.
