For many, Christmas means social gatherings and increased use of alcohol. In Sweden, the authorities have come up with official advice. Such advice is not as clear in Norway. Both men and women can drink ten units of alcohol a week before there is danger on the way. If you drink more, the warning lights should be on, according to the Swedish authorities. The fact that women and men are treated equally in terms of how much they can drink is new. In the past, it has always been said that women tolerate less than men. One of those who think the Swedish advice sounds strange is psychologist specialist and professor Fanny Duckert. – It is real that women tolerate less than men, she says. She believes the Swedes overlook the facts and believes the reason is the need for simplification. At the same time, she thinks it is a good idea to have alcohol limits. In Norway, the authorities have never issued similar recommendations. – Is there any purpose to such boundaries? – Yes, it can be useful. People are very insecure and searching, she says. Duckert has extensive experience in treating people with alcohol problems. – If you give some recommendations, it may be easier to think that this is okay. It provides an incentive for some sharpening. She believes it is something completely different from what was said earlier. – It is an acknowledgment that alcohol is not healthy. Illustration photo: Colleagues at a Christmas party drink red wine and eat traditional Norwegian Christmas food. Photo: Gorm Kallestad / NTB Maximum three drinks in one evening It is the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare that this autumn has come up with new limits for what they consider to be risky use of alcohol. The new limit values are basically intended for the healthcare system to assess when the healthcare system should offer support to people with what they believe is risky use of alcohol. The limit for what is considered risky use for men is set at ten units or more per week – and for women the limit is raised from nine to ten units. At the same time, the Swedish authorities believe that if you drink four units or more at the same time, once a month or more often, you have a risky alcohol use. – The healthcare system plays an important role when it comes to identifying people with risky drug use. The National Board of Health and Welfare’s recommendations are a tool in the healthcare system’s work to support reduced alcohol consumption among these people, says Thomas Lindén. He is head of department at the National Board of Health and Welfare. Duckert believes the Swedish limits are set too low. – It sounds a bit “overkill”. She believes that far too many people will then be defined in a category that is believed to need help. – I would guess that a fairly large part of the Norwegian population drinks more, she says. Fanny Duckert is a professor and has extensive experience in drug research. Photo: Stig Jaarvik / news Be careful with advice – In Norway, people are careful to say that it is safe to drink a certain amount, says Merete Taksdal. She is project manager at the National Competence Service for Cross-Specialized Drug Treatment, TSB. The reason is that it is so different and so dependent on many different factors, she explains. – It is easy to become speed blind and alcohol is an important part of the culture in this country. – What is actually harmful alcohol use? – Only zero is zero. There is no lower limit that is risk-free. Taksdal points out that the Norwegian Directorate of Health will present new dietary advice next year. There will, by all accounts, be recommendations on zero alcohol use. In Norway, there is no official limit on how much alcohol you can drink without risk. Nevertheless, the national expertise service, which is organized under Oslo University Hospital, provides advice that is quite similar to that which applies in Sweden. – If you are healthy and stay within nine units a week, there is a low risk. At the same time, it is important not to drink more than four units at a time and not several days in a row, says Taksdal. But she emphasizes that there are several factors that come into play, such as age, health and the use of medication. – Take drinking breaks at Christmas – What is your advice to people at Christmas? – The good intoxication is often at a lower blood alcohol level than you think, says Fanny Duckert. She believes there are many pleasant things about moderate alcohol consumption. – The pleasant intoxication, the one that is quite pleasant, is between 0.3 and 0.8 per thousand, she says. She is concerned that a little alcohol can create a sense of community, make people lower their shoulders and relax. – The blood alcohol level will continue to rise after you feel the good intoxication, so if you drink too quickly, you will lose the good blood alcohol level and risk losing control. Her advice to people who want to drink this Christmas is clear. – Take a few drink breaks, she says.
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Women can drink more than before – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
