Select one of the following assignments for elucidation in a 15 minute address to a certain target group:

You (as a pharmacist) are invited by the local high school to address all the teachers and learners on the topic “Alcohol, what really is its effect on my body”. Focus on the effects, “pleasant” as well as “unpleasant”, how many glasses are safe? How do I know when I am starting to develop a problem? What should I then do?  Throughout, keep the age of your target group (learners) in mind!

ALCOHOL

PLEASANT EFFECTS

Alcohol increases activity in the dopamine neurons in the mesolimbic reward pathway, as well as opioid cells that release endorphins. Both produce feelings of joy, pleasure, euphoria, depending on the type of activation.

 UNPLEASANT EFFECTS

Depending on individual and their intake of alcohol:

• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea
• Upset stomach
• Headaches
• Breathing difficulties 
• Distorted vision and hearing 
• Impaired judgment 
• Decreased perception and coordination 
• Unconsciousness 
• Anaemia
• Coma
• Blackouts (memory lapses, where the drinker cannot remember events that occurred while under the influence)

HOW MANY GLASSES ARE SAFE?

Measured by units and not glasses!

One unit equals 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol, which is around the amount of alcohol the average adult can process in an hour.

The number of units in a drink is based on the size of the drink, as well as its alcohol strength.

For example, a pint of strong lager contains 3 units of alcohol, whereas the same volume of low-strength lager has just over 2 units.

Knowing your units will help you stay in control of your drinking.

 

To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level if you drink most weeks:

• Men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week regularly 
• Spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week
• If you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each week

Fourteen units are equivalent to 6 pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses of low-strength wine.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I AM STARTING TO DEVELOP A PROBLEM?

USUALLY SELF-DIAGNOSABLE

Once you notice that you have a repeated alcohol consumption habit  and alcoholism may begin each day with a drink, feel guilty about their drinking and have the desire to cut down on the amount of drinking.

 PEOPLE MAY EXPERIENCE: blackout, dizziness, shakiness, craving, or sweating, aggression, agitation, compulsive and self-destructive behaviour, or lack of restraint, anxiety, euphoria, general discontent, guilt, or loneliness, nausea or vomiting, delirium or fear as well as physical substance dependence, problems with coordination, slurred speech, or tremor

 WHAT SHOULD I THEN DO:

Seek a full evaluation by a healthcare professional.

There are many diagnostics tests available online that can help you self-evaluate your drinking, but none of them should substitute for professional medical advice.