While there's nothing wrong with having a few drinks with your mates or enjoying a nice glass of wine with dinner, always think responsibility while drinking. The rule of thumb for responsible drinking is an average of two standard drinks per day for women and four standard drinks per day for men. Everyone should have at least two alcohol free drinks a weeks. Alcohol addiction is an illness and can effect many different areas of your life. Heavy drinking increases the risk of heart and liver disease and stroke, it can affect your relationship with your family by changing your persona and leading to financial problems, decrease memory retention and energy levels leading to problems in your work and study or can even lead you to cause physical or mental pain to yourself or those your love.

Drinking can effect inhibitions and can lead you do things you wouldn't normally do. Who knows where and when you might wake up in the morning, and with who?

Eat plenty of food before or while drinking alcohol, space out your drinks with water or another non-alcoholic beverage, check whether any medication your are taking is compatible with alcohol and avoid drinking while your stressed or not in a good state of mind. Leave the car at home when your planning to drink and organise alternate transport.

If you think you may have a drinking problem the Student Guild and USQ Student Services counsellors can assist you in getting the information and assistance you need.

Useful linksStandard Drinks Guide explains just what is a standard drink.

The Australian Government has put together a website totally devoted to providing information about alcohol and it's consumption.