Alcohol and Studying

Do I drink too much alcohol? Here are some questions about your drinking habits*

  • Have you ever thought about drinking less?
  • Have you ever got annoyed that other people are criticising you because of your drinking behaviour?
  • Have you ever felt guilty because of your drinking?
  • Have you ever drunk alcohol first thing in the morning in order to stabilise yourself or to get rid of a hangover?

Another criterion for risk is based on the volume of alcohol consumed. The limit for consumption which is not harmful to your health is 20g alcohol per day for women and 30g for men (a small beer or a small glass of wine contains about 10g alcohol). Above those limits the risk of health disorders and developing a dependency rises. Drinking every day, even small amounts of alcohol, becomes a habit; so it is recommended that you go at least two days a week with no alcohol.

Below are some questions relating to your drinking habits over the last 12 months.

  • Have you (often) had a strong urge, a sort of irresistible need, to drink alcohol?
  • Have you ever been unable to stop drinking once you began?
  • Have you sometimes drunk the morning after, in order to relieve feelings of nausea or stop shaking (e.g. your hands)?
  • Have you changed your plans for the day in order to be able to drink alcohol, or arranged your day in such a way that you could consume alcohol regularly?
  • Have you drunk despite feeling that alcoholism has harmful physical, psychological or social effects?

If you answer Yes to at least three questions, you would seem to be at risk. We would advise you to get expert help as soon as possible. If you want to examine your situation in more detail, or if you want more information, you can use our counselling service

* Source: German Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA)