Resources - Alcohol
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This page contains relevant information and resources for students concerned about Alcohol use and related conditions.
Alcohol is the most widely used recreational drug in Australia. Many social activities as adults, and particularly social events associated with studying, often involve the consumption of alcohol. 'Drinking' or 'getting drunk' tends to be considered normal and not particularly harmful, however consuming large amounts of alcohol in a relatively short space of time, known as "Binge Drinking", is known to have some negative and sometimes serious effects on your body, and can expose you to potential risks you may otherwise avoid. You may be aware of the short-term consequences of binge drinking, such as hangovers, nausea and memory loss. Some longer-term side effects, however, include a psychological dependence on alcohol, damage to your brain and liver, as well as other emotional and relationship problems.
It is recommended that a safe level of alcohol consumption is no more than 2 standard drinks per day for men, and 1 standard drink for women. More information about what constitutes a standard drink can be obtained from the sites listed below.
If you are concerned that you, or someone you know, has a problem with alcohol, the resources below can help you learn more about the effects of alcohol and track down services who can help.
Swinburne University Services and Resources
- Student Development and Counselling - For one-on-one counselling to help you deal with your reasons for drinking alcohol excessively and develop strategies to reduce your alcohol intake.
- Swinburne Health Service - Offers a friendly and accessible service including first aid, medical consultations, health counselling, health promotion and health information. These services are provided at no cost in a strictly confidential manner.
- Swinburne Psychology Clinic - For one-on-one, or group, counselling to help address and overcome alcohol dependence and related issues.
- Local Community Council Databases - Search for your local community services that offer assistance in dealing with alcohol problems.
Other Services and Resources
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia - A National, non-government organisation representing the interests of the Australian alcohol and other drugs sector, providing a national voice for people working to reduce the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs.
- Alcohol.gov.au - The Australian Government's information site for alcohol. Here you will find information on alcohol-related health, science, news, and Australian Government policy.
- APS: Alcohol and Other Drugs Tip Sheet - Tip Sheet for understanding and managing Alcohol and other drug use, provided by the Australian Psychological Society.
- BeAware: What is Alcohol? - Information about Alcohol use for young people and their parents.
- CounsellingOnline - CounsellingOnline is a website where you can communicate with a "live" professional counsellor about an alcohol or drug related concern.
- DrugAware: Alcohol - Information about Alcohol use and effects, and the law in Australia.
- DrugInfo Clearinghouse: Information on Alcohol - Drug facts, resources and reports on the use of Alcohol in Australia.
- Eastern Drug and Alcohol Service (EDAS) - Provides free and confidential drug and alcohol counselling, support, education and training to residents and workers in the Eastern Metropolitan Region.
- Somazone Drug Fact Sheets - Fact sheets and tips about drugs and drug testing.