Alcohol: The Facts, and Socialising Without It

Whether you never drink or you live where adults legally can, knowing the facts protects you and your friends. You can also have a full social life without alcohol, and this lesson gives you the words to do it.

What alcohol does

• The NHS links drinking too much in one session to accidents and injuries (sometimes fatal), losing self-control, getting involved in violence and finding it harder to judge risky situations.
• Over many years, regularly drinking more than 14 units a week is linked by the NHS to mouth, throat and breast cancer, stroke, heart disease, liver disease and brain damage.
• The NHS also says regular high-risk drinking can worsen mental health.
• The CDC lists risks for young people who drink including injuries, slower brain development and memory problems, problems at school, and a higher risk of alcohol use disorder later in life.

Understanding units, so you can read a label

• In the UK, alcohol is measured in units. The NHS formula is: volume in millilitres times strength (ABV %) divided by 1,000.
• Worked example from the NHS: a 568ml pint of 5.2% lager is 568 x 5.2 / 1,000 = about 2.95 units.
• A large 250ml glass of 12% wine is about 3 units, so drinks can contain much more alcohol than people assume.
• This knowledge is useful even if you never drink, because it helps you understand how quickly a friend can become seriously unwell.

Socialising without alcohol

• Most universities have societies built around sport, faith, culture, games, film, food and volunteering, many of which meet without alcohol (see the Social Life module).
• Suggest daytime plans: brunch, a walk, the gym, a café study session, a museum or a cooking night.
• At a party, hold a drink you like, such as a soft drink, juice or water, so people are less likely to keep offering.
• Find your people early: one or two friends who share your choices make every event easier.

How to say no

• Keep it short and friendly: 'No thanks, I don't drink.' You do not owe anyone a long explanation.
• If they push: 'Honestly, I'm good. What I'd really love is a lemonade.'
• Change the subject or suggest something else: 'I'm off to get food, who's coming?'
• If someone keeps pushing after a clear no, that is their problem, not yours. It is fine to walk away.
• Respect works both ways: do not pressure others who make different legal choices, and do not mock people who do not drink.

Recognising alcohol poisoning

• The NHS lists signs including confusion, slurred speech, being unable to coordinate, vomiting, pale or blue-tinged skin, slow or irregular breathing, a seizure and loss of consciousness.
• Call emergency services if you think someone has alcohol poisoning, has had a seizure, has lost consciousness or has stopped breathing.
• The NHS says do not give coffee, do not put them in a cold shower, do not give more alcohol and do not try to make them sick.
• Lesson 8 covers what to do while you wait for help.