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How much is too much?

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The recommended limit for women is two alcohol units a day (three for men), which adds up to 14 units a week. (Pregnant women should be even more cautious about their drinking habits.)

An alcohol unit consists of 15 ml of absolute alcohol, a measurement based on research done in the US (which differs to findings in Europe, where an alcohol unit consists of 10 ml of absolute alcohol). A unit of alcohol would be the equivalent of 150 ml of wine, 300 ml of beer and 30 ml of spirits (just over a tot measure).

So how do your drinks measure up?

  • Strawberry daiquiri: 2 units
  • Glass of white wine: 1 unit
  • Glass of red wine: 1 unit
  • Beer: 2 units
  • Light beer: 1 unit
  • Cider: just over 1 unit (1,25)
  • Shooter (1 tot): 1 unit

    Early signs of alcoholism
    The CAGE questionnaire is generally accepted as a screening tool for probable alcohol abuse. If you answer yes to three or more of the four questions below, you should see someone about your use of alcohol. If you say yes to all four questions, you definitely have a dependency problem.

  • Have you ever felt the need to cut down on your use of alcohol?

  • Have you ever been annoyed by friends' or family's comments about your alcohol use?

  • Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your alcohol use?

  • Have you ever needed an eye-opener? Like having to use alcohol or medication in order to deal with morning shakes or a hangover. If so, then the answer to this question is yes.

    The cardinal sign of alcoholism is a loss of control of alcohol use with subsequent remorse (post-party anxiety). Other signs are an increase in blackouts, an increase in use of other drugs (prescription drugs, stimulants, other illegal drugs) in order to counter the effects of excessive alcohol use, and failed attempts at stopping or cutting down use, even in the face of negative consequences.

    Red lights should flash when a person's life is becoming unmanageable because of the use of alcohol (losing a job, spouse, children or having accidents) and when a person continues to drink in spite of consequences such as those listed above.

    Where to get help

    Johannesburg
    Houghton House Recovery Centre
    (011) 728-0850
    The Riverfield Lodge
    (011) 460-1970

    Cape Town
    Stepping Stones Addiction Centre
    (021) 783-4230
    Kenilworth Place Addiction Treatment Centre (021) 797-0190.
    www.kwplace.co.za

    Durban
    SANCO
    (031) 303-2202
    Lulama Treatment Centre
    (031) 202-2241
    lulama@mweb.co.za

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