Alcohol — More than Meets the Eye

Can people die from drinking too much alcohol?

Yes, they can.

Alcohol poisoning is the most life-threatening consequence of binge drinking. In alcoholic poisoning, the brain, breathing, circulation, etc is affected. It can eventually lead to loss of consciousness and death [5].

People who drink too much are also more likely to be involved in alcohol-related traffic accidents and violent crimes that can lead to death [5].

Are there any groups of people who should not drink at all?

The following groups should abstain from consuming alcohol altogether:

1. Pregnant women or those trying to conceive.

Alcohol consumption by pregnant women can result in their babies having major and permanent birth defects such as fetal alcohol syndrome. 

2. People on medication.

Alcohol can interact with many medication, which may lead to increased toxicity, illness or even death. If one drinks when he or she is on medication, the alcohol may affect the intended reaction of the drug in the body. It can cause the drug to either have a diminished effect, or be transformed into a toxic chemical(s) that can harm the body. If you are taking medication, check with your health care provider before you decide to consume alcohol. 

3. People with medical conditions such as alcohol allergy, asthma, uncontrolled high blood pressure, alcohol addiction, liver disease and stomach ulcers.

They may experience adverse reactions to alcohol consumption. Chronic health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure may also be exacerbated with drinking. Therefore, if you are suffering from a medical condition, seek the advice of your health care provider before you consume any alcohol.

4. Children and adolescents [2].

Research shows that drinking during adolescence can harm physical and brain development. Drinking alcohol during this time can bring about long-term impacts on learning and memory skills [6] and they may experience long-term adverse effects on their memory, concentration, visuospatial skills, reasoning, planning and goal-directed behaviours. Alcohol consumption during adolescence may also affect brain development, leading to abnormalities. Studies have shown that for each additional year earlier than 21 that an individual began to drink, the greater the odds that he or she would develop alcohol dependence at some point in life.

5. Individuals who plan to engage in activities that require attention, skill and coordination, such as driving or operating machinery, should not drink before embarking on these activities [9].

Alcohol depresses the function of one's central nervous system and alters his or her perceptions, emotions, movements, vision and hearing. Most people retain some alcohol in their blood for up to two to three hours after just a single drink.

6. Individuals who are unable to restrict themselves when drinking.

A person who is not alcohol dependent may still be able to limit the amount he or she drinks. But if a person is diagnosed as an alcoholic, it is best that he or she seeks advice from a counsellor or healthcare provider.

Are there types of alcohol that are safer, or less harmful than others, that people can choose if they really have to drink in a social setting?

There are three main types of alcoholic beverages – beer, wine, and hard liquor. However, the amount of alcohol in alcoholic beverages, of even the same kind, may vary.  Drinking beer may not be necessarily safer than drinking hard liquor such as vodka or whiskey as what affects the body and mind is the amount of alcohol, rather than the type of drink consumed. Therefore, what needs to be taken into consideration is both the alcoholic content of the beverage and the amount consumed.  For example, 1 bottle of beer containing 3.5% alcohol has the same alcoholic content as 1 shot of hard liquor containing 40% alcohol

Try a mocktail for a change

Drinks don't have to contain alcohol to be fun and enjoyable. Try these alcohol-free mocktails for a change.

Sunny Day Daiquiri	Green Envy	Blackcurrant Blush
90 ml orange juice 90 ml carrot juice Egg white (from 1 egg) Top up with 5ml grenadine syrup Blending method	90 ml lime juice 90 ml mango juice 5 ml of green mint syrup Top up with plain soda   Building method	60 ml blackcurrant cranberry aloe vera juice 90 ml apple aloe vera juice Top up with 5ml grenadine syrup and soda Shaking method