Alcohol
Recent tests and publications are suggesting that alcohol may be good for you. A glass of red wine a day has been shown to be beneficial to the heart. But, as the old adage goes, everything in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to aggressive and anti-social behaviour. It is important, therefore, to know your own personal limits.
Men
The recommended weekly limit for men is 21 units, and this should not be taken all at once! Regular consumption of between 3-4 units a day by men of all ages is not a significant health risk.
Women
The recommended weekly limit is 14 units. Regular consumption of between 2-3 units a day by women of all ages will not have a significant health risk. More than this for a long period of time will result in serious health risks. It puts a large strain on your liver, which after a long period of excessive alcohol consumption will no longer function as well as it should.It is also worth remembering that after an episode of heavy drinking it is advisable to refrain from drinking for 48 hours to allow the tissues in your body to recover. 1 unit = half a pint of beer, lager or cider, a small (125 ml) glass of wine or a single (25ml) measure of spirits. When drinking at home, measures are frequently more generous than above and it is therefore worth noting that a bottle of wine (70ml) can contain 6-10 units and a bottle of spirits (70ml) e.g. vodka, gin etc., contains approximately 28 units.
Drinking and Driving
DON'T! If you know you're going to drink then don't drive. Even small quantities of alcohol can impair performance although it probably won't feel like it. You know that it can risk lives, if not yours then someone else's. The legal limits for driving have gone down, they are stricter than ever and are equivalent to having a half pint before you drive. The consequences are severe so - Don't drink and drive!
Drinking and Sex
Alcohol lowers inhibitions and makes you more relaxed. It makes it easier to talk to people and, although there is no scientific explanation, it also has the power to improve other peoples' appearance! Drink acts as an aphrodisiac, but men should be aware, as Shakespeare once said, "it provokes the desire but takes away the performance"! There are various effects drinking can have on how you feel and on your body - the AWARE Centre has further information. Some things to consider when you've been drinking:
- Do you really want to snog your flatmate?
- How are you going to feel in the morning after sleeping with someone you met the night before after a few drinks?
- If you do get carried away, then remember to use a condom to avoid the risk of unwanted pregnancy or Sexually Transmitted Infections.
- Recent research also advises that individuals should avoid drinking before or during active physical sport.
Advice Available on Campus
AWARE Centre
'Got a question? We'll find the answer' Based in the Students' Union the AWARE Centre will aim to help you find the answer to any questions you may have. If they are unable to answer your question directly they will have details of local or national organisations who will be able to. All queries will be kept confidential.
Contact them by:
- Coming to AWARE 1 East Level 3, Mon-Thurs 9-5, Fri 10-5
- Telephoning 01225 38 6906 (6906 from an internal phone)
- Emailing aware@bath.ac.uk
- Online query form www.bathstudent.com/aware
NIGHTLINE
A confidential listening service to all University of Bath students, run by students for students. Nightline can listen to any problems you may be experiencing as well as providing relevant information if necessary.
Contact them by:
- Telephoning 01225 383030 (3030 from an internal phone)
- Visiting the AWARE Centre 1 East Level 3 during Nightline's hours Wed-Sun 8pm-8am
PEACE OF MIND (POM)
POM is a free, open, independent, confidential, facilitated self help group supporting student well-being. If you are struggling with alcohol or drug use then POM may be able to help. POM meets every Wednesday during term time between 2.00 and 3.30 in the Esther Parking Residence.
For more information:
- Email pom@bath.ac.uk
- web: www.bathstudent.com/pom
University Counselling Service
A free confidential counselling service available on campus. A Student Mental Health Worker is also available one half day a week.
For an appointment:
Telephone 01225 38 4796 (4796 from an internal phone)
University Security Office
Based in Wessex House level 2, the University Security Office provides the following services:
- Recording of incidents and crimes
- Monitoring of intruder alarms and acting accordingly
- Supply residential students with emergency medical transport to local
- Bath hospitals where an ambulance is not needed
- Respond to all first aid incidents where practical and direct emergency services where required
- Provide advice and information on crime prevention and personal safety.
Contact them by:
- Visiting Wessex House Level 2
- Telephoning 01225 385349 (333 on campus) or 666 in an EMERGENCY
- Emailing security-office@bath.ac.uk
University Medical Centre
If you are registered with the University's Medical Centre then you can talk to a doctor about any problems you may have concerning alcohol or drug use. The Medical Centre also has its own counselling service located within the surgery.
Contact them by:
- Telephoning 01225 386655 to make an appointment
Advice Available Off Campus
OFF THE RECORD
This is a young persons confidential advice and information service located in Bath. It provides information on a range of topics including alcohol, drugs and personal safety. They also have a wide range of resources for you to take away with you. You can also receive counselling through Off the Record.
Contact them by:
- Visiting them in Manvers Street Bath, Mon & Weds 11-5, Tues & Thurs 1-7pm, Sat 11-1
- Telephoning 01225 312481
- web: www.offtherecord-banes.co.uk
BADAS
A safe and confidential space for you to discuss your own or someone else's drug or alcohol use. It also provides, a referral point to other support networks in the area, group support, advice and information, telephone support and specialist support for family members.
Contact them by:
- Visiting them 32-33 Broad Street Bath open weekdays 11-1 and 2-4.30pm and Tues & Thurs evenings 5-7pm
- Telephoning 01225 469479 (24 hour answerphone)
- Emailing enquiries@badaservices.org.uk
BATH POLICE STATION
For any personal safety queries, reporting of crime or advice contact them by:
- Visiting them at Manvers Street Police Station Bath 7-midnight every day
- Telephoning 0845 4567000
- On campus students your Beat Manager is Constable Roger Parker
NHS DIRECT
Staffed by NHS nurses who can answer any medical questions you may have.
Contact them by:
- Telephoning 0845 46 47
- web: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
DRINK AWARE
Website with information about unit awareness, the effects of alcohol, hints and tips on how to stay safe. Great interactive tool to total up your units from a night out.
- web: www.drinkaware.co.uk
TALK TO FRANK
National helpline to answer any questions you may have about drugs or drug use.
Contact them by:
- Telephoning 0800 77 66 00
- web: www.talktofrank.com