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Alcohol and drugs
Moderation is the key in the safe use of alcohol. An understanding of illegal (or illicit) drugs can be useful if you are involved in grand-parenting and need to be aware of drug use and abuse.
Alcohol risks
Alcohol is the most widely used social drug in Australia. Moderate use may, for some, be beneficial for the heart. But alcohol can interact with many commonly used medications, and can cause drowsiness.However, excessive long-term use is associated with liver disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, and some cancers. It is also a significant factor for short-term harm at all ages, especially amongst older people, as the tolerance for alcohol decreases with age. Drink driving and mixing alcohol with certain medications are extremely risky activities for all ages.
Alcohol and weight gain
Alcohol is also very high in calories, and best consumed in moderation if you are looking at keeping your weight under control. Every gram of alcohol contains 29 kilojoules of energy. A standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol. One small glass of beer, wine, spirits or mixed drinks equals approximately one standard drink. Alcoholic cider and cans of premixed spirits equal at least one-and-a-half standard drinks.How much is safe?
Low-risk alcohol consumption can be measured like this:- Men - up to four standard drinks a day puts you at low risk for health problems. Five to six standard drinks puts you at considerable risk, while seven or more standard drinks a day is considered high risk for developing health problems.
- Women - up to two standard drinks a day puts you at low risk for health problems. Three to four standard drinks puts you at considerable risk, while five or more standard drinks a day is considered high risk for developing health problems.
The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing has an information site on Australian Alcohol Guidelines. If you have any questions about alcohol and alcohol intake you can call 1800 010 125.
But remember to always check with your pharmacist or doctor for potential adverse effects of alcohol on any condition or medication you are taking.
Smoking
Every year, about 19 000 Australians die from diseases caused by smoking. One in two lifetime smokers will die from their habit.Remember:
- every cigarette is doing you damage
- it's not just a risk – it's a certainty that smoking will damage your health
- smoking damages your arteries, lungs and eyesight, and
- there is a nationally coordinated effort to help you quit.
When you call the Quitline you can arrange to have the Quit Book mailed to you and if you want to talk to someone about quitting, they will give you information on:
- the best way for you to quit
- coping with withdrawal symptoms, and
- quit courses and details of local organisations which provide individual help and counselling.
Other drugs
In the role of parenting and grandparenting, information on other drugs used by younger members of society can be helpful in a range of ways. For additional information on the symptoms and side effects of illicit drugs such as amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine, heroin and cannabis, visit the Better Health Channel: Some facts about drugsSafe use of other medications
Older Australians are the largest users of medicines. While they assist in the treatment and prevention of disease, can increase life expectancy and improve the quality of life, medicines do have the potential to cause harm if used incorrectly or inappropriately.This is true for ‘over the counter’, health food store products and medications prescribed by your doctor.
For advice on misuse of medications and any concerns you may have, contact your local pharmacist or doctor.
Read more: About medication management
