Alcohol

Many contexts in student life are closely connected to alcohol. For many, alcohol is associated with positive experiences, but not for everyone. Excessive consumption of alcohol negatively affects both your physical and mental health. Being in control of your drinking means that you are in control of your night out, not the alcohol. Please contact the Student Health Service if you are concerned about your drinking.

Test Your Drinking Habits

It's a good idea to stop and think about your drinking habits from time to time. Various studies show that the period in which people drink the most alcohol is between the ages of 18 and 25. This is also when our adult drinking habits develop. Students may therefore be particularly vulnerable to developing alcohol problems. If you want to get a better understanding of your drinking habits, you can take an anonymous test. Once you have completed the test, you will receive feedback on your habits and what you can do if you wish to change them.

Test your drinking habits and get instant feedback External link.

Party Smart

Alcohol is seen by many students as a natural part of student life. Constantly being in situations where alcohol is present can lead to a loss of control over drinking. Many find it difficult to say no to drinking because they feel it is expected of them. Research shows that many students have a hazardous drinking behaviour. Hazardous drinking is characterised by excessive alcohol consumption and can make you behave in ways you wouldn't normally and take greater risks.

For those who want to minimise the negative consequences of alcohol, the following tips may be useful:

• Plan your night out in advance. Decide how much you will drink and for how long. Set an end time for the last glass of alcohol.
• Stop and savour what you have just had, rather than having another glass straight away.
• Decide that every other drink will be non-alcoholic.
• Don't drink on an empty stomach. Eat before and during drinking.
• Choose drinks with a lower alcohol content.
• Agree with your friends not to push each other to drink and don't participate in drinking games.
• Have the courage to say no and remember that you don't have to drink at all.
  

Worried About Someone Else's Drinking?

It can be hard to bring up the subject of problem drinking with someone else. You may be worried about upsetting them. You may also feel scared about facing up to what can be a difficult problem, but offering your support can help.

At alkoholsnacket.se External link. (in Swedish) you can find a guide to the first conversation, including advice on how to address the person. There is also information on where you can get further help and tips on how best to take care of yourself. It's important to remember that it's not your responsibility to get someone to stop drinking or to seek help. It may take time for someone to start the process of change. It's their choice and you can't make it happen.

Facts About Alcohol Legislation in Sweden

You must be at least 18 years old to buy alcoholic beverages in bars and restaurants. To buy alcohol at Systembolaget (the national state-owed chain of liquor stores) you must be 20 years old. You must show your identity card when buying alcohol at Systembolaget and in restaurants/bars.

The drink-drive limit in Sweden is 0.2 per mille in the blood or 0.1 per mille in the breath. The penalty for drink-driving is a fine or up to six months' imprisonment. In addition, the driver's licence is usually suspended for twelve months.

More information about alcohol

Read more about alcohol at studenthälsa.se External link.

Student and party culture External link.