Dry July – done and dusted?! Anyone give it a crack? Let’s just back track even further and reminisce a little can we?……..Did anyone actually take on Feb Fast this year? Who decided to give March a blast too or were those warm summer days and nights too tempting for a thirst quenching ale or delectable wine tingle with a fun night out with friends?  The thought of capping off and starting the weekend with a tasty bevy is an enjoyable choice it seems for a fair proportion of us…..especially when we didn’t have the freedom to do so during pandemic pandemonium!

Many of us may have let our hair down and let go a little bit? Well……jump on in Dry July to give us more incentive to curb our urge or reach for this vice. Pause for the cause…. cheers to that…. or not you say?! Now that another pause for the cause has passed, we still think it’s a good call anytime of the year! We talk about some things to still be mindful of in these new normal times…..

Meh.….no these are Stats to take notice of

Even though things have improved a little, life is still hard for many of us. We’ve been left reaching out for different and some unhealthy ways to deal with our anxiety and stress during these times. Many of us are still reaching for ways to cope or manage; drinking alcohol being a big one for many of us.

The latest reports and polls taken by the Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education (FARE) reveals that Alcohol sales hit their highest ever record during these Pandemic days. 70% of us are drinking more alcohol than normal. Many would agree that this is not a good ‘new normal’

Calling a time out

Calling a time-out on alcohol that gives you sparks of joy and pleasure in our weeks might be hard. Then again, they can be the best decisions we make for now and, even beyond these weird ‘new normal’ days, for a lifetime

The 2019 Annual Alcohol poll indicated that among us Aussies there is widespread confusion about the effects of alcohol. Our so-called ‘binge-drinking’ culture is still very much alive and kicking. The poll indicated 64% of us who drink to get drunk do so at least twice a week!?? Before any pandemic – Our nation has a bit of a problem with Alcohol.

We know its a problem

It doesn’t seem to cut it anymore to tell us to be responsible or drink in moderation. Let’s face it, getting blind drunk may deceptively lend itself to some escapism, a few laughs and some fun but also unfortunate consequences that we can often regret. Even at what we might boldly consider to help us at basic levels; excessive consumption of Alcohol taken to numb or dull your nerves does not curb anxiety but is said to actually contribute to it…what the…??!!

That poll taken even before our #iso season indicated a clear rise in our consumption but it also clearly highlights that we know it’s a problem.

We’re in this together!

So, we think this must beg us to ask the question…. ‘Is this good for us?’ It’s ok to get some fresh and healthy perspective……

1. Did you ever wonder why you pee more when drinking alcohol?

Alcohol is an actual bladder and bowel irritant which leads you to produce more urine and can make you go to the toilet more often and in more of a hurry. So, if you’re drinking to the point of blacking out you are more susceptible to losing bladder control and waking up saturated…. Unpleasant – yes! If you already have trouble with rushing to the toilet and also possibly leaking when you don’t want to then alcohol consumption can only make it worse. So have a think about what’s actually reasonable. What’s actually being responsible for you as well as most importantly what it actually means for your overall – mind, body and soul.

Reminder: There are things you don’t have to put up with.  If you’re experiencing bladder leakage issues and need some help working out whats going on check out our helpful tool here.

You can also take the plunge and make a call to the National Continence Helpline. Our supportive and experienced Nurse Continence Specialists know heaps about these concerns. They can give you advice and direct you onto further help near to where you live if you need it!

2. The link between drinking alcohol and violence or aggression is well known

Why? Now is a time where any ignorance shouldn’t actually be bliss.

Alcohol, like any drug effects our cognitive and physical function causing reduced self-control, limiting our ability to process incoming information as well as assess risks.

This can make us feel emotional labile or numb and impulsive.

This lack of control is then inevitable, and alcohol related harm can’t be avoided. This means different things for each of us. When the ultimate result hurts you or others you know and even don’t know, the consequences can be devastating and, even in this sense, life changing.

3. Sometimes love can get complicated

So, if your relationship with alcohol remains a little ignorant, you make yourself susceptible to long term health risks such as heart disease, stroke and even cancer. Getting a fresh take on the fact that if you drink too much you just increase that risk of harm…… it’s good to take a moment here and understand that significance.

4. A bit dry?

You’ve already heard that alcohol is an irritant to your bladder and bowel and pretty much has a diuretic effect on the bladder – meaning – you have substantial increase in urine flow and excessive loss of body fluids. So, what’s the after effect of drinking too much? You get dehydrated that’s what! Many of you would have already heard of being encouraged to drink water in between alcohol.  There is obvious merit in this plus with the added bonus of maybe helping deal with the dreaded hangover for the next day.

So, take that precious pearl from this one wise fact and even consider some healthy alternatives like Kombucha, Fresh juice or maybe even a Mocktail more generously, it’s ok! You’re doing yourself a massive favour and keeping your hydration game strong!

5. Notes from above

Our government (Australian) knows we have a problem with alcohol. It seemed to conveniently coincide with FebFast that there is a nice little increase in the tax levy placed on our beloved bevvy in the month of February. When it comes to cost it seems this is a greater disincentive and a big tick to our government in detracting us from buying. It’s also important at this time to be mindful of the Alcohol industry’s crafty marketing strategies to get you to buy more than you need. Save your spondooli and take a retake on your time-out.

FebFast was a great kick-starter for the year on some good healthy habits as well as a bit of significant goodwill to consider. Dry July was another great incentive to keep a check-in on curbing our Alcohol intake. Aside from clichés, it really is never too late to keep a check-in on curbing our Alcohol intake. Whether that be for July, Feb or now even Augusts and beyond. We say it’s still legit for any month of the year.

Channelling our radars into a ‘good’ cause to help us focus elsewhere and with purpose, even when things are still tough for many of us is always a ‘good’ call!

Pause for the cause…..

So, we say do a Tik Tok retake on picking up that alcohol bottle and reaching for that alternative; and that includens some exercise too! Stay tuned for sparking more than just your booty into action!

If you are struggling with things at the moment, like many are, then reach out to Beyond Blue or Lifeline who can support you right now!