For people above legal drinking age only
Don’t drink and drive
Don’t drink while pregnantBeing there for others
You may be the first to notice a problem and the first to try to help.
summary
You may find yourself concerned about the way a friend, your partner or another member of your family is behaving around alcohol.
You may be the first to notice a problem and the first to try to help.
Underage drinking
Most countries around the world have strict laws about the minimum age for purchasing and/or consuming alcohol.
These laws are established for good reasons and should be taken very seriously.
People who are under the legal drinking age should not drink alcohol. Your children should be knowledgeable about these laws and aware of the consequences if they are not followed. When parents inform their children and set boundaries, children are more apt to follow the rules.
Friends and family
You may develop concerns about the behaviour of other adults around alcohol. Your friends, partner or adult members of your family may start to drink in a way that you feel is harmful to themselves or to those around them.
A quiet word and a show of concern can help start a dialogue and steer them onto a helpful path. Don't wait for others to notice and do something. Other people may not be as observant as you are. They may even incorrectly view a friend's drinking as a sign they are coping well under pressure or stress – still 'getting out and enjoying themselves'.
If you are concerned about someone's drinking:
Be observant – the well-being of your children, family or your friends may depend on it. Being a good role model for your children is a parental gift you can give them. And find out where your friends and family can go for help if they need assistance.
