Resource: Women and Alcohol

Did you know…

• Alcohol is the mostly widely used drug in Canada.It is created when grains, fruits, or vegetables are fermented.

• The use of alcohol has been traced as far back as 8000 BC.

• Although alcohol comes in different forms (e.g., beer, wine, rum, coolers), it has the same effect. Pure (ethyl) alcohol is a clear, colourless liquid.

• Alcohol is a “depressant” drug that slows down the parts of your brain that affect your thinking and behaviour as well as your breathing and heart rate.

• For many people, drinking alcohol releases tension and reduces inhibition, making them feel more at ease and outgoing.

• Drinking can also make you feel ‘drunk’ or intoxicated. Signs of being drunk include flushed skin, impaired judgment, reduced inhibition, reduced muscle control, slowed reflexes, problems walking, slurred speech, and double or blurred vision.

• Signs of being heavily intoxicated include difficulty standing, throwing up, blacking out, and having no memory of what you said or did while drinking. Heavy drinking can lead to coma and death.

• Drinking can sometimes result in a ‘hangover’ about eight to ten hours after your last drink. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, diarrhea, dehydration, shakiness, and vomiting.

• It is possible to develop a physical dependence (addiction) on alcohol.

To find out more, please click to download the information sheet on women and alcohol!