It’s a drug, but most Australians openly use it and share it with friends and family. But that doesn’t mean alcohol is a safe drug.
For many people, alcohol is a great way for them to relax and take the edge off their stressful lives. For others, alcohol is used to make them feel more confident, particularly in social situations. This is because alcohol is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the messages that travel from your brain to your body.
But a feeling of relaxation and increased confidence are only two of the side effects of alcohol consumption. Other, more negative side effects, include a difficulty in concentrating and slower reflexes, which is why alcohol and driving or working is a poor mix. Drink more and the list of side effects grows: confusion, clumsiness, blurred vision and, of course, nausea and vomiting, are side effects that many of us have experienced after a big night on the drink.
If you’re a regular drinker, there is also a long list of negative side effects to consider, including poor general health, depression, poor memory, cancer, liver disease and heart disease.
Yes, alcohol may be a widely used drug in Australia, with around 40% of us consuming alcohol every week, but that doesn’t mean it’s a safe drug.
