High Risk Drinking
Know your risk!
High Risk Drinking is drinking more than the recommended single-day or weekly amounts, or "binge" drinking. H.R.D. primarily impacts those who are of legal drinking age but are at an increased risk to develop a problematic relationship to alcohol - those age 21-25; however, this can become a problem at any time in an individual's life. Healthy Oxford Hills provides educational information and resources to this population.
Facts~
- Alcohol-related disorders can be found in all social classes, races, genders and ages.
- A person's brain does not stop developing until his or her early to mid-20's.
- Alcohol is the only drug we know of that's both fat-and water-soluble; it affects all the organs and tissues of the body.
- Alcohol drains the body of essential vitamins and also slows the absorption and retention of new nutrients.
- A "hangover" is the body's reaction to the short-term toxic effects of alcohol.
- Heavy drinking costs an estimated $100 billion annually in the U.S. for otherwise unnecessary health-care.
- Alcohol is a factor in about 60% of fatal burn injuries, drownings and homicides; 50% of severe trauma injuries and 40% of fatal motor vehicle crashes, suicides and fatal falls.
- Alcohol depresses most brain functions, from balance to breathing.
- Being able to "hold your liquor" (high tolerance) is not a protection from alcohol problems, but a reason for caution - alcohol tolerance can lead to dependency.
What you can do~
- Test your behavior: http://www.checkyourdrinking.net/cyd/CYDScreenerP1_0.aspx
- Limit your social drinking to those situations that mirror your own values.
- Know and respect your recommended limits:
- http://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/
- Consider whether alcohol has kept you from obtaining goals, or if it has interfered with your job or relationships.
- Seek professional guidance if you have questions or concerns.
- Join the Oxford County Substance Abuse Task Force! CONTACT US for more information!