The ARA’s mission is to reduce alcohol-related harm through combating the misuse and abuse of alcohol beverages and promoting only their responsible use.
Tips to drink responsibly
Media Release
Don’t let a season of silliness end in a life time of regret
Tips to drink responsibly
Monday, 17 November, 2008
The long awaited holiday season, otherwise known as the silly season for many is near. For many South Africans this is a time for relaxation, recreation and renovation. While for others, it is a time when trouble may be lurking, a time of risk-taking, foolish and macho behaviour - all with life-threatening consequences.
Every year just before the holiday season the media entices people to party. Although it is perfectly fine to do so, it is important to keep a responsible mindset.
The Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use, also known as the ARA, is an organisation which promotes the responsible enjoyment of alcohol beverages.
Here are some tips to enjoy your drinks and social time during this year’s silly season:
• When planning to go on a night out, agree upfront with a friend that he/she will be the designated driver.
• Arrange a sleepover at a mate if necessary instead of going home.
• When going to a bar or club, hire a cab to take you there and to pick you up later in the evening.
• It is far cheaper and a lot more sensible to club together with your friends to hire a car or mini-bus with a driver than to pay bail money for a night of fun.
• Keep the number of a cab company on your cellphone and ensure that you have enough money set aside in your purse/wallet for this, should you know you are not in a position to drive home.
• Don’t supply drink to underage persons – the South African legal drinking age is 18.
• Avoid drinking with partners who are prone to aggressive behaviour
• Don’t use public transport late at night.
• Avoid walking home when intoxicated, this is not safe
• Drink plenty of water before, during and after drinking alcohol
• Always eat before drinking alcohol and try to eat while drinking – choose foods that are high in fat and carbohydrates, i.e. burger and chips, dagwood. There are many 24 hour fast-food outlets.
• Avoid lifts from strangers, especially when intoxicated
• Don’t swim when you’ve had alcohol – skinny dipping is out of the question
• Drinking on the beach is against the law and very dangerous, so is drinking at the river or the dam for those who live inland.
As alcohol affects your judgement and reaction times, driving is out of the question. The physical and emotional trauma caused by drunk drivers is entirely preventable.
Alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of death among individuals aged 15 – 20 years old. The message is simple: if you've been drinking, don't drive.
Alcohol is a depressant – it can affect your reason, judgement and coordination, and slows down your reaction time. This means that if you drink to excess, you're putting yourself at risk.
The results could be relatively minor – perhaps you might not realise that your jokes aren't going down too well – or it might lead to serious risky behaviour, such as unprotected sex.
Drinking too much (either in one sitting or over an extended period of time) can lead to serious health and social problems. These include:
• Alcohol poisoning
• Accidents, including car accidents
• Brain or neurological damage
• Risky behaviour
• Alcohol dependence
• Heart or cardiovascular problems
• Poor academic performance
• Absenteeism or poor performance at work the next day
That also means you shouldn't 'save up' your drinks over the course of a week and then have them all in one go.
Although parties are important for the social development of young people, it is important for parents to know what their teens are up to. Below is a list of guidelines to help parents fulfill their responsibility with respect to teenage parties.
• Contact the parents hosting the party. Try to communicate this with your child.
• Talk to your children about your expectations and the consequences of their not living up to them
• Do not give your children large quantities of cash
• Make it clear that they cannot leave that party to go to another venue without your permission
• You, as the parent, should pick your child up from the party
• Sleep-over are not advisable, if they do happen ensure that they are monitored by adult supervision
• Set a curfew and communicate the consequences of not sticking to it.
Drinking alcohol is a matter of individual judgement and accountability. It's been a part of social life and celebrations around the world for thousands of years. Drinking sensibly means you can enjoy yourself – and stay safe.
Be a role model, if you drink, do so responsibly. If you have a drinking problem, or think you may have one, seek help.
Where to get help:
• Alcoholics Anonymous South Africa National Helpline 0861 435 722
• Narconon South Africa 011 622 3998
• AL-ATEEN General Service Number 021 595 4508
• Life-Line 0861 322 322
Ends
Issued by: Atmosphere Communications
Tel: 011 250 7944
On behalf of: The Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use
Contact: Adrian Botha
Tel: 021 886 4329
www.ara.co.za