One standard drink is 12 oz. of beer, (5% alcohol), 5 oz. of wine, (12% alcohol), 1.5 oz. of (40% alcohol). Research states, that it takes “one hour to metabolize one drink” of alcohol. So you would calculate # of drinks x 60 min. per drink. Only time can reduce your blood alcohol level. When your BAC registers .08 you will have trouble controlling the speed of your vehicle, difficulty processing information and reasoning, experience reduced coordination and ability to track objects, difficulty steering, 11 times more likely to cause a crash compared to a sober driver.

“A few cups of coffee will sober me up.” Only time allows the liver to metabolize alcohol 1 drink = 1 hour per drink. “I will just sleep for a couple of hours and then leave.” People often miscalculate how much they have drank over a given evening– returning home over the .08 limit. “I drive better when I have had a few drinks.” Peripheral vision is affected, (most accidents happen while crossing intersections). Depth perception – is also affected, judging distance at a stop light, (how far away is the other car), or running a red light.

“Driving under the Influence” (DUI), is the term used in Canada since 1921, to describe the criminal offense of operating a motor vehicle, while the person’s ability is impaired by alcohol or drugs.” If your BAC registers .08 or you have a blood test result that exceeds .08, it is punishable under the Criminal Code in Manitoba. “Driving While Impaired” includes: Swerving, weaving; jerky, sudden movements, failure to follow traffic signs and signals, tail-gaiting, or mishandling of vehicle equipment. Women are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol due to differences in metabolism.

New guidelines published by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA), has drastically reduced what is considered low-risk drinking on the number of drinks consumed each week, and the increased risk of alcohol related health issues: Previous guidelines indicated 10 drinks a week for women and 15 for men. The new proposed guidelines now indicate that more than 6 drinks a week for men and 3 for women, leads to increased risk of a host of health issues. The new proposed guidelines suggest that the health risks become “increasingly high” when someone has six or more drinks per week.

The holidays are a time of many social and family events, gatherings, and opportunities for many to celebrate with family and friends. When hosting an event or gathering, it is important to ensure that there are alternatives for those who do not choose to, or cannot drink alcohol beverages due to health reasons. There are some wonderful alternative recipes for mocktails, smoothies and protein shakes. As a potential host or guest, it is important that you are aware of a) New low risk drinking guidelines, b) Impaired Driving Laws.

SRWC is a unique, welcoming, recovery-oriented community that accompanies individuals, family and friends affected by substance abuse in their journey toward recovery. We offer co-end or gender specific groups, individual, couple, and family counseling programs, that offer support for individuals and their families. Our Access and Exploring Options program offer support for individuals, who are referred, or mandated due to their drug or alcohol abuse, or are awaiting a place in a Residential Program. Our gender specific Continuing Recovery, and Work Sober programs focuses on maintaining their recovery goals. Our Family education and support programs include 1-1 and couples counseling.