Each year Australians and New Zealanders stop work and gather on 25 April to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in World War I and all current and past service women and men. It’s considered that the events in Gallipoli in WWI forged an Australian and New Zealand national identity. The spirit of Anzac is synonymous with heroism, mateship, courage and good humour.
Observing Anzac Day shouldn’t be about getting blind drunk and gambling, but at times it has, often with negative effect. Inspired by the Anzac spirit, instead the day should be about enjoying mateship and respectfully honouring those who’ve served or serve, whilst looking out for our health.
So let us remember, reflect and lest we forget – without the hangover!
Tips for another way to enjoy Anzac Day
If you do plan on drinking this Anzac Day here are a few tips on reducing the effect on your health and wellbeing.
- Slow down. It takes time for alcohol to reach the brain. You may be drunker than you think.
- Keep track of your intake. Before you start drinking decide how many drinks you’ll have and monitor your intake. Also wait until your glass is empty rather than topping it up when it’s half full.
- Eat and eat well. Have something healthy and substantial before you drink and during (but avoid salty snacks.)
- Alternate. Between alcoholic drinks have water or other non-alcohol drinks.
- Don’t mix drinks or alcohol with other drugs. Using alcohol at the same time as any other drug can be dangerous. This includes drinking while using medicines from the chemist or doctor. One drug can make the negative effects of the other even worse or stop your medication from working all together.
- Don’t drive. Never drive if you’ve been drinking, or accept a ride with someone you know or suspect has been drinking.
If you’d like some help with cutting back on drinking and getting healthy, visit
gethealthynsw.com.au/healthier-you/reduce-alcohol for free personalised health coaching.
What is a ‘standard’ drink?
Find out how much alcohol is really in your average wine or beer glass with our
Standard Drink Calculator.
Stay safe
Alcohol misuse is a major contributing factor in assaults and other violent crimes. Additionally, binge drinking can be incredibly dangerous as it increases the likelihood of acute harm such as accident and injury.
Drinking a lot of
alcohol rapidly can also lead to headaches, vomiting, diarrhoea, passing out and alcohol poisoning – among other symptoms.
If you are out and about on Anzac Day and see a mate or someone else in distress please be sure to take action. If you can’t wake them up or you are concerned that they may have sustained a head injury from an alcohol related fall – call an ambulance immediately – dial Triple Zero (000).
Use our interactive body map to find out about the full effects of long and short term alcohol use at Alcohol | A-Z of Drugs.
Want to know whether your drinking habits are putting you at risk? Find out with the Your Room Risk Assessment.
For free and confidential advice 24/7 call Family Drug Support on
1300 368 186 or Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on1800 250 015. Counsellors are available to provide information, referrals, crisis counselling and support. Or start a
Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor online Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm.
