Alcohol-related challenges can affect anyone for a variety of reasons, and when employees begin to struggle, the effects can inevitably extend into the workplace. This article explores alcohol awareness and why it matters for businesses as well as individuals.
Regardless of whether alcohol is fruit or grain based, it affects the body in the same way. Alcohol alters how the brain functions and how it communicates with the rest of the body. As a depressant, it slows brain activity and impacts the central nervous system.
After one or two drinks, people may feel relaxed, sleepy, warmer than usual, or slightly uncoordinated. These are short-term effects caused by changes in brain chemistry and nerve signalling. As alcohol intake increases, these effects become more pronounced.
While these immediate sensations may seem mild, excessive or prolonged alcohol consumption is linked to longer-term health risks and potential damage to both physical and mental wellbeing.
People relate to alcohol differently. Some drink occasionally and in moderation, others may binge drink, which can be particularly dangerous and some choose not to drink at all for religious, social, or health reasons.
Understanding how alcohol affects the body and mind is an important step toward making informed, healthier choices.
How alcohol can impact your health
• Your Liver’s Role - Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, and frequent intake can lead to increased fat inside liver cells. Alcohol abuse can lead to cirrhosis, a very serious condition.
• Impact on Your Brain - While alcohol intoxication is only temporary, chronic alcohol abuse can impair brain function permanently.
• Depression - Alcohol abuse and depression are linked. People may start abusing alcohol due to depression or become depressed by abusing alcohol.
• Body Weight - Heavy drinking and beer are linked to increased weight gain, while moderate drinking and wine are linked to reduced weight gain or even weight loss. However you may find weight gain, from the extra calories found in alcoholic drinks.
• Heart Health - Heavy drinking leads to a much higher chance of developing heart disease.
• Cancer - Your risk increases the more you consume. More than four drinks daily appear to cause a fivefold increase in your risk of mouth and throat cancer, as well as an increase in your risk of breast, colon and liver cancer.
• Addiction - Some people become addicted to the effects of alcohol, a condition known as alcohol dependence or alcoholism. As a rule of thumb, if alcohol is adversely affecting your quality of life, you may have a problem with alcohol dependence or alcoholism.
Six tips for cutting down this January
• Keep track - Take the time to note down exactly what you’re drinking, measured in units, over a few weeks. This means measuring out your glasses properly – including top-ups! You can find apps that help you to do this too.
• Remove temptation - A well-stocked drinks cupboard can be very tempting. Try not to buy or replace alcohol just to keep your shelves ‘well-stocked’.
• Buy a drink preserver - It can be tempting to finish the last half glass at the end of a bottle, but this still counts towards the units you’re drinking. There are now lots of gadgets that you can use to keep wine or beer fresh, and lots of them are fairly cheap.
• Change your routine - Sometimes it can be easy to fall into the habit of drinking. So, if you enjoy a glass of wine before dinner, why not try to find a soft drink you like instead? You can even find non-alcoholic versions of spirits, wines and beers in most supermarkets.
• Alternate with non-alcoholic drinks - Get into the habit of switching between alcoholic drinks and soft drinks like fruit juice or water. This way you can cut back on how much alcohol you’re having while still enjoying your favourite tipple in moderation.
• Choose the weakest options - Make a habit of choosing the lowest-ABV options of whatever you’re drinking. And, watch out for ‘export strength’ versions of spirits, which in some cases can be more than 10% ABV stronger!
If you think you might need help to reduce your drinking speak to your GP. There are also organisations that can help.
Drinkline
A national alcohol helpline for people concerned about their drinking, or someone else’s.
Ø Call the helpline on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm)
Alcoholics Anonymous
A national network of self-help groups for people who want to stop drinking.
Ø Call the helpline on 0800 917 7650 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
Ø You can also email help@aamail.org
For online resources and ‘live chat’ visit www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Many providers offer services such as Employee Assistance Programmes which can provide support to your employees, please feel free to get in touch with the team to discuss this and other products and services available further.
