Harm reduction

Question 1

Before you start drinking:

Be clear about why you want to drink

Answer 1

Is it going to help you in some way or make things worse?

Question 2

Before you start drinking:

Eat something

Answer 2

Food reduces the speed at which your body absorbs alcohol.

Question 3

Before you start drinking:

Know the strength of your alcohol

Answer 3

Look on the label for the percentage of alcohol.

Question 4

Before you start drinking:

Set limits on how much you’re going to drink

Answer 4

And, commit to sticking to your plan.

Question 5

Did you know that….

Answer 5

One standard drink is:

Beer: 350 ml (12 oz) at 5% alcohol

Question 6

Did you know that….

Answer 6

One standard drink is:

Wine: 150 ml (5 oz) at 12% alcohol

Question 7

Did you know that….

Answer 7

One standard drink is:

Spirits: 40 ml (1.5 oz) at 40% alcohol While drinking…

Question 8

Before you start drinking:

Measure and keep track of your drinks

Answer 8

This will help you avoid drinking more than you wanted.

Question 9

Before you start drinking:

Drink slowly

Answer 9

Alternate drinks with water or other non-alcoholic beverages to avoid drinking too much.

Question 10

Before you start drinking:

Stay in the company of trusted friends

Answer 10

That way, you won’t have to cope alone if something goes wrong.

Question 11

When going out:

Choose drinking places with care

Answer 11

Look for clean surroundings, good lighting, open queuing, comfortable seating, pleasant noise levels and lots of space. Things can get out of control in places that are too crowded and chaotic.

Question 12

When going out:

Plan a safe way to get home before you even get to your destination

Answer 12

You’ll be less tempted to make bad choices if you have a good plan.

Question 13

When going out:

Avoid getting drunk in public

Answer 13

Stay within the national low-risk alcohol drinking guidelines of 4 drinks for men, 3 drinks for women, on any one occasion. Drinking over these limits puts you at risk of making bad choices that may seem fun or funny at the time but may cost you later in terms of your health, relationships, money or the law.

Question 14

If you are planning on drinking a lot:

Drink with a buddy in a safe place

Answer 14

It may be best to stay at home, in this case your buddies home. Remember, alcohol is not allowed in residence.

Question 15

If you are planning on drinking a lot:

Stick to one substance at a time

Answer 15

Alcohol can magnify the effects of cannabis and some other drugs in unpredictable ways.

Question 16

If you are planning on drinking a lot:

Stay away from the steering wheel

Answer 16

Stay where you are or make plans to get around by bus, taxi, or ride with someone who hasn’t been drinking.

Question 17

If you are planning on drinking a lot:

Avoid having sex with an unfamiliar partner

Answer 17

Carry condoms just in case.

Question 18

Choose no alcohol when:

Answer 18

driving or operating machinery

Question 19

Choose no alcohol when:

Answer 19

needing to be alert, like at work or school

Question 20

Choose no alcohol when:

Answer 20

using other drugs, including medications

Question 21

Choose no alcohol when:

Answer 21

pregnant or breastfeeding

Question 22

Choose no alcohol when:

Answer 22

experiencing health problems (mental or physical)

Question 23

To reduce long term risk:

Avoid daily or almost-daily drinking

Answer 23

Keep one or two days per week alcohol-free, and have no more than 15 drinks per week if you’re a man, 10 per week if you’re a woman.