Drinking alcohol makes you more prone to accidents and injuries.
The more you drink, the more likely you are to get hurt, have a stay in hospital, have life-changing consequences or even die. You may also risk seriously injuring someone else.
Accidents or injuries that are linked to alcohol are sometimes called alcohol-related harms.
Alcohol-related harms include:
- bruises
- sprains
- burns
- concussion
- serious injuries caused by fights
- workplace accidents
- road traffic incidents
- drowning
- self-harm
- suicide
Why so many accidents happen
Alcohol can affect your brain in ways that leave you more at risk of accidents and injuries.
Poorer coordination and balance
Alcohol can affect your coordination, muscle control and balance. This means you are less stable and slower to react in the face of danger.
For example, if you trip, you are more likely to fall than regain your balance.
Lowers inhibitions
Alcohol lowers your inhibitions and affects your judgement. The more you drink, the more likely you are to take risks. For example, dancing on a table or running across a busy road.
Slows brain processes
Alcohol can affect the way you process information. You may not see the bigger picture and have little regard for the consequences of your actions.
For example, you may misinterpret something someone says and take offence. This can lead to aggression, violence and injuries.
How alcohol affects your brain while you drink
When injuries are most likely
You are more likely to get injured when you drink too much too fast (binge drink).
When you binge drink, the high level of alcohol in your blood can affect your judgement and decision-making. This can make you more reckless and more prone to accidents.
Alcohol and self-harm
Depending on how you are feeling, you may be more at risk of self-harm or suicide after drinking alcohol.
How alcohol affects your mental health
Accidents and drink-driving
Never drink and drive. Even a small amount of alcohol can slow down your reactions and affect your judgement.
If you drink and drive, you are not safe on the road. You are putting yourself and other road users in danger.
How alcohol affects your driving
Alcohol and drowning
Alcohol is a factor in 3 out of 10 drownings. Many drownings happen when someone falls into water after drinking.
Your judgement, coordination and reaction times may be affected by alcohol. This increases your risk of drowning.
Alcohol makes it harder to swim. Your movements are slower and you may also feel numb.
Do not go into open water after drinking alcohol or on the day after drinking.
This is because after drinking alcohol:
- your reactions and movements may be slower - even on the day after drinking
- you are usually dehydrated which can lead to tiredness
- you may have an electrolyte imbalance - this can lead to muscle cramps
- your blood sugar can be low - this can cause tiredness and muscle weakness
Don't
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do not go into open water after drinking - or the day after, when your body is still recovering
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do not walk near open water after drinking - take a safer route home
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do not let your friends go into open water after drinking, even after a small amount of alcohol
How to reduce your risk of alcohol-related harms
Alcohol-related accidents and injuries can happen easily. Some injuries such as bruises or sprains may heal quickly. But some can have life-changing consequences. For example, serious burns or injuries following a road traffic incident.
No amount of alcohol is risk-free.
To reduce your risk of getting hurt or having an accident when drinking:
- stay within the weekly low-risk guidelines
- avoid binge drinking
- avoid taking risks - for example, walking in dark places, operating machinery or lighting fires
- stay with people you know on nights out
- plan your night out and stick to the plan - for example, where you will go and how you will get home
If you are worried about your alcohol use, take our alcohol test.
Non-urgent advice: Get help with problem alcohol use
For confidential advice, freephone 1800 459 459.