As part of the Global Drug Survey conducted worldwide in 2014, close to 80,000 people were asked about the world’s most used drug – alcohol. As you’d expect, the survey produced some interesting results.
One of the perhaps surprising results is that many people are employing safe drinking habits. For example:
- 70% of those surveyed usually have 2 alcohol-free days per week, which gives their bodies a rest from the effects of alcohol.
- 84% said they usually eat before drinking, which slows down the effects of alcohol.
- 40% have 2+ week breaks from alcohol
- 58% usually alternate alcoholic drinks with water
- 55% usually choose lower alcohol drinks
However, it’s certainly not all good news, with only 21% of those surveyed saying they usually stick to recognised safe drinking limits. This means that 79% of respondents either don’t know the safe drinking limits or choose to ignore them, placing themselves at risk of health issues relating to alcohol use.
These potential health issues include:
- Alcohol related brain impairment
- A suppressed immune system
- Increased risk of developing heart disease
- Reduced liver function
- Stomach irritation and stomach cancer
- Damage to the pancreas, bowel and kidneys
- Reduced sex drive and performance
- Detrimental effects on the skin
