Belize Medical Associates

Safe drinking - summary

Know how much you're drinking - home poured measures can be much more than pub measures and with mixes prepared by someone else it can be impossible to tell what you're drinking and how much. Never mix alcohol with other drugs, including prescribed or over-the-counter drugs, because they can change the way alcohol affects your body. Similarly, avoid drinking on an empty stomach, and don't forget to eat while you're drinking. Slow down by not getting into having rounds and feeling obliged to have a drink every round. Opt for soft drinks or water for a break. Drink with other people, not on your own, and make sure that the friends you are with look after each other. Avoid drinking outside or in remote locations, especially during winter, because there are greater risks with hypothermia and accidents.

Sensible drinking advice:

• Eat - Make sure you have food in your stomach before you drink alcohol

• Don't drink alone

• Know what you're drinking

• Look after each other

• Don't put yourself in vulnerable situations

• Don't mix alcohol and other drugs

• Don't drink and drive

• Slow down your drinking

 Alcohol and young people

Alcohol is a drug which can be as dangerous, and have as many consequences, as 'illegal' drugs such as ecstacy and heroin.
Part of this issue is that alcohol is seen as separate from these drugs; young people see alcohol being used all around them and often describe it as 'a part of everyday life'. So, it's important to remind young people that alcohol can be dangerous and parents should be encouraged to discuss this with their children.
We can't stop young people from experimenting.

Alcohol in the sun

Alcohol has the potential to make or break a social occasion or an entire holiday. Most people like a drink when the sun's out, but by staying alcohol aware, party go-ers and holiday-makers can avoid any problems.

• Mixing medicine and alcohol can be dangerous - check with your GP or pharmacist at Belize Medical Associates before going on holiday.

• Flying and alcohol can cause dehydration, and the combination might leave you feeling the worse for wear. Don't drink on the plane if you're driving on arrival.

• Drinking in the sun can also cause dehydration - avoid alcohol during the day, drink plenty of bottled water and you'll enjoy your evenings better.

• Measures abroad are often larger and alcohol content stronger - eat before you 'hit the town' and aim to slow down your drinking - try drinking non-alcoholic cocktails or soft drinks every other round.

• Don't go swimming if you've been drinking - you could end up in difficulty.

• Drinking lowers your inhibitions, and safer sex can go out the window. Make sure you take Kite-marked condoms with you.

• Being drunk could make you more vulnerable to theft, attack or accidents - look out for your friends and don't leave them if they are worse for wear.

        Remember, Belize Medical Associates also does alcohol testing.