As July rolls around, it’s the perfect time to participate in Dry July—a month dedicated to going alcohol-free.

This initiative not only supports a healthier lifestyle but also raises awareness about the impacts of alcohol consumption and the benefits of reducing or quitting it.

At Qualitas Medical Practice, we encourage you to use this opportunity to evaluate your drinking habits and seek professional guidance to make a positive change.

The Impact of Alcohol in Australia

Alcohol is a common habit and can be a dangerous addiction. It is important that we are open to discussing alcohol with healthcare professionals, as there are many health conditions caused by alcohol use.

Alcohol consumption is a significant public health issue in Australia, and it may surprise you to know ^[1]

• 31% of people aged 14 and over consumed alcohol in ways that put their health at risk in 2022–2023.
• 59% of drug-related hospitalisations in 2021–2022 were due to alcohol.
• There were 1,742 alcohol-induced deaths in 2022 in Australia.
• Alcohol was the most common drug of concern, accounting for 43% of treatment episodes in hospitals in 2022–2023.

The Hidden Dangers of Alcohol

Alcohol is so accessible in our community, and it obviously does cause a great burden of harm. Even if you are not a regular drinker, you may have had some harm in your life due to alcohol.

After you drink alcohol, even if the short term and especially if in binges (more than 10 Standard alcohol drinks in one session), there can be unwanted effects such as²:

• Vomiting
• Feeling shaky
• Being uncoordinated with an increased risk of injury, such as falls
• Feeling sick
• Having disturbed sleeping patterns
• Behaving differently means you may do things they would not normally do, such as:
  • have unprotected sex and risk a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or an unplanned pregnancy
  • acting in a way that may damage your reputation or cause problems with school, work or family
• Losing valuable items, such as a wallet, purse or mobile phone.
• Drinking during pregnancy can cause foetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol-related birth defects and developmental disorders.

Drinking alcohol for a long time regularly has a number of significant health impacts, and chronic alcohol use is associated with a range of health issues, including³:

• Cancers such as oesophageal stomach, mouth, throat, liver, colon and breast cancer
• Diabetes and poor metabolic health with weight gain
• Brain damage and brain-related conditions such as stroke and dementia
• Cardiovascular Disease: Heart issues such as heart attacks and high blood pressure
• Liver and Pancreas Disease, including liver cirrhosis and liver failure
• Injuries (both intentional and unintentional)
• Risk of emotional and mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and suicide

Women are at a higher risk of developing these conditions compared to men who consume the same amount of alcohol, especially at lower levels of drinking.

Benefits of Reducing or Quitting Alcohol

Embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle can lead to numerous benefits, such as:

• Improved mood and better sleep
• Increased energy levels
• Improved metabolic and cardiovascular health
• Enhanced relationships with loved ones
• Better performance at work
• Reduced risk of long-term health problems such as cancer and heart disease
• Significant cost savings

Keeping these benefits in mind can help you stay motivated on your journey to reduce or quit alcohol.

How to Reduce or Quit Alcohol

If you’re considering reducing or quitting alcohol, it is important to seek medical advice and support to increase your chance of success and reduce health risks. At Qualitas Medical Practice, our GPs can:

• Provide personalised medical advice based on your health
• Create a tailored withdrawal plan
• Connect you with support services
• Monitor your progress with regular check-ups
• Help you manage withdrawal symptoms safely

Quitting alcohol, especially if you’re a regular or heavy drinker, can be challenging and sometimes dangerous without professional support. Your doctor can refer you to treatments like detox, medication, and counseling to help you manage the process safely and effectively.

Talk to a GP at Qualitas Medical Practice

Taking the first step towards an alcohol-free life is easier with the right support.

Whether you’re looking to reduce your alcohol intake or quit altogether, our team provides compassionate care and professional guidance.

Join us this Dry July and commit to your health.

Book an appointment with a GP at Qualitas Medical Practice today and start your journey towards a healthier, happier you.

Find a Qualitas Health practice near you

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References:

[1]. AIHW, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alcohol/alcohol-tobacco-other-drugs-australia/contents/drug-types/alcohol#keyfindings

[2]. Healthdirect, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vomiting

[3]. Jurgen Rehm, The Risks Associated With Alcohol Use and Alcoholism, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3307043