Understanding alcohol

Drinking alcohol affects your body in the long and short-term, and can exacerbate conditions like depression and anxiety.

Students enjoying themselves at Party in the Park

Making sure your drinking habits stay low-risk while you're studying is a big ask, especially if you're not sure what 'low-risk drinking' means!

The reality is alcohol has an impact on your ability to think, make rational decisions and control your impulses. This means excessive drinking could potentially result in:

  • Accidents and injuries (your reflexes won't be at their best!) 
  • Risk-taking (you may be more open to trying other drugs, or putting yourself in situations your sober self would usually avoid)
  • Violence (some people find they have less control over their impulses and become angry)
  • Non-consensual or unsafe sex (remember if you or your partner are too drunk to consent, any sexual connection is not consensual!)

Take the test

You probably don't think you have a problem with your drinking habits or alcohol consumption. But we encourage you to take the alcohol.org.nz test. The results may surprise you!

Test yourself

Top tips

  • According to alcohol.org.nz women can reduce long-term health risks simply by drinking no more than two standard drinks a day, and no more than 10 standard drinks a week.
  • Men can reduce long-term health risks by drinking no more than three standard drinks a day, and no more than 15 standard drinks a week.
  • It's a great idea to aim for at least two alcohol-free days every week.
  • Women can reduce the risk of an injury by drinking no more than three standard drinks on any single occasion.
  • Men can reduce their risk of injury by drinking no more than five standard drinks on any single occasion.
Chart showing the effects of drinks on men and women.
Visit alcohol.org.nz

Looking after yourself

Not drinking doesn't mean you don't want a good time or won't have a good time. But how do you turn down a drink?…Check out Say Yeah, Nah.

If you are planning on drinking, line your stomach first. Always try to eat a substantial meal before drinking and have a glass of water inbetween alcoholic drinks, these two acts will help to slow alcohol absorption.

If you are concerned about the effect alcohol is having on your academic or personal life, University Health and Counselling can help. 

Phone University Health and Counselling: 0800 698 427

Related links