Thinking about drinking: alcohol and stroke

A common question on StrokeLine is when it is safe to have a beer or a wine again after a stroke. Many people will really think about their lifestyle-related risk factors after a stroke or TIA, and that can prompt a call to StrokeLine. The motivation many survivors have to get as healthy as possible can lead to a major overhaul, and thinking about drinking is a part of that.

The National Guidelines for Alcohol Consumption advise all adults to drink no more than two standard drinks on any day. Heavy drinking definitely increases the risk of stroke, as it can lead to high blood pressure. It can also contribute to other risk factors like diabetes, obesity and atrial fibrillation. These issues are different for everyone, so it’s important to speak your doctor and get the information and advice that’s right for you.

With alcohol an option at most social events and activities, if you decide to cut down, it can be difficult to stay focused. We like the Better Health Channel’s top tips:

• Keep track of your drinking habits. Instead of relying on memory, jot down your drinks in a diary to see exactly how much and how often you drink.
• Change your drinking habits. Control the amount of alcohol you drink by setting some goals, such as not drinking alone or when stressed. Schedule at least two alcohol-free days each week.
• Don’t drink on an empty stomach. A full stomach slows the absorption of alcohol.
• Quench your thirst with water. Otherwise, you risk gulping down alcoholic drinks.
• Sip your drink slowly. Put down the glass after each mouthful.
• Take a break. Make every second drink a non-alcoholic beverage.
• Buy low-alcohol alternatives. Options include light beer and reduced alcohol wine.
• Opt out of ‘shouts’. Drink at your own pace. If you can’t avoid buying a shout, get yourself a non-alcoholic drink.
• Avoid salty snacks, such as potato chips or peanuts. Salt makes you thirsty and more inclined to drink fast.
• Do something other than drink. Hit the dance floor or play a game of pool. You’re less likely to drink out of boredom if you’re busy having fun.

Having a drink at a social occasion is very much a part of life. If you decide to, or need to, lay off the booze, how do you handle not drinking when everybody else is? You can try drinking something that can pass for an alcoholic drink and avoid the “why aren’t you having a drink?” conversation. The upside is that lovely feeling of saying “hello Sunday morning” feeling on top of the world before texting your best mate to see how they’ve pulled up.

You can find out more about the national guidelines, and how much is a standard drink, at www.alcohol.gov.au.

And for more information on the relationship between drinking and stroke, see the Stroke Association UK’s Alcohol and Stroke fact sheet .

If you need to talk to someone about your drinking, start with your GP or call the helpline in your state for free, confidential advice:

• Australian Capital Territory 02 6207 9977
• New South Wales—Sydney 02 9361 8000, country areas 1800 422 599
• Northern Territory—Darwin 08 8922 8399, central Australia 08 8951 7580, country areas 1800 131 350
• Queensland 1800 177 833
• South Australia 1300 131 340
• Tasmania 1800 811 994
• Victoria 1800 888 236
• Western Australia—Perth 08 9442 5000, country areas 1800 198 024.