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Food & fluids

Warning signs of excess alcohol

girl drinking red wineDuring times of stress it is tempting to reach for alcohol in the hope that it will relax you and take away the pain or sense of loss you may be feeling.

You know that you have had too much if:

  • Friends and family express concern about how much you are drinking
  • You can’t function without it
  • Your behaviour is affecting your work or relationships
  • Your finances are suffering
  • Children are at risk
  • You feel depressed and sad without it
  • You place your self at risk eg driving or diving when you have been drinking.
  • If you are on medication or have a condition made worse by drinking.

Tolerance

Tolerance to alcohol is different for each person. Typically those with a heavier body weight (compared to lighter individuals) have more water in their bodies therefore they tend to get drunk more slowly.

Other factors that affect tolerance include:

  • Age
  • Body weight
  • Alcohol reducing enzyme
  • Medications
  • Stress
  • Mood

If you are concerned about the drinking habits of a family member  here are some tips to help.

About the author View all

Lea Stening

Lea is one of New Zealand’s leading paediatric dietitians and also specialises in Sports Nutrition. She has specialised in Paediatric Nutrition for 31 years and in 1985 was the first paediatric dietitian to enter private practice in New Zealand. Lea helps families through her private consultations, public lectures, newspaper and magazine articles as well as television and radio interviews. Read more »

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