Alcohol and your health
Alcohol increases the risk of several cancers, heart disease, liver disease, injuries and mental health problems. The less you drink, the lower your risk.
Alcohol also affects sleep, mood and medicines.
Alcohol and other drugs, support without judgement
Confidential, non-judgemental support at Morisset Doctors for alcohol and other drug use, including assessment, harm reduction, help to cut down or stop, withdrawal planning and referral to local services.
We are a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice
Fees and eligibilityGP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card: children 15 and under, patients 65 and over with a pension or Health Care Card, and all other pension and Health Care Card holders.
Good to know before you book
01It is confidential
What you discuss stays private.
Tap to see moreYour GP is there to help, not judge.
Book nowBulk billed for eligible patients02Know the guidelines
No more than 10 standard drinks a week and 4 on any one day.
Tap to see moreFewer is better for health.
Standard drinks03Do not stop suddenly
Stopping heavy drinking or some drugs suddenly can be dangerous.
Tap to see moreTalk to your GP about a safe plan.
Call reception0424-hour support
Alcohol and Drug Information Service NSW: 1800 250 015.
Tap to see moreFree and confidential.
Call ADISFind the care that fits
Choose a topic to see what is involved, what it costs, the questions people ask most, and how to book.
Is it a problem?
Checking your use
Your GP can help you look at how much and how often you drink or use, and whether it is affecting your health, mood, sleep, relationships or work.
Simple questionnaires help guide the conversation.
- 1Talk it through
- 2Questionnaire
- 3Health checks and tests
- 4Plan together
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
How do I know if I drink too much?
Regularly drinking above the guidelines increases risk.
Will it go on my record?
Your record is confidential.
Practical strategies
Cutting down or stopping
Setting limits, alcohol-free days, tracking drinks, changing routines and getting support all help. Medicines can reduce cravings for some people.
Counselling and support groups are available locally and online.
- 1Set a goal
- 2Track and plan
- 3Support and medicines
- 4Review
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Are there medicines to help?
Yes, for some people; your GP will discuss.
Can I cut down instead of stopping?
For some people, yes.
Staying safe
Withdrawal
If you drink heavily or use some drugs every day, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal, which can be dangerous, including seizures.
Your GP can plan supported withdrawal at home or refer to a withdrawal service.
- 1Do not stop suddenly
- 2Assessment
- 3Withdrawal plan
- 4Ongoing support
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
What are withdrawal symptoms?
Shakes, sweating, anxiety, poor sleep and, in severe cases, seizures or confusion.
Is home withdrawal safe?
Sometimes, with a plan; your GP will advise.
Supporting someone
Family and friends
Supporting someone who uses alcohol or drugs can be hard. Looking after yourself matters too.
Family Drug Support (1300 368 186) offers 24-hour support for families.
- 1Talk openly
- 2Look after yourself
- 3Get support
- 4Encourage help
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
How do I raise it?
Choose a calm time and focus on care, not blame.
Can I see a GP about a family member?
Yes, for your own support.
Understanding alcohol and other drugs
Plain-language information to help you know what to expect and make informed decisions with your GP.
Harm reduction
If you use drugs, harm reduction means lowering the risks: not using alone, avoiding mixing substances, knowing overdose signs and carrying naloxone if you use opioids.
Free naloxone is available from many pharmacies.
Mixing alcohol and medicines
Alcohol can interact with many medicines, including sedatives, pain relief, some antidepressants and diabetes medicines.
Ask your GP or pharmacist.
Pregnancy and young people
No alcohol is safest during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for people under 18.
Support is available and confidential.
Standard drinks calculator
Add what you might drink in a typical week to see the total in standard drinks. A standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol. Values are approximate; check the label.
Full strength beer, can (375 ml, 4.8%)1.4 standard drinks each
0
Mid strength beer, can (375 ml, 3.5%)1.0 standard drinks each
0
Full strength schooner (425 ml)1.6 standard drinks each
0
Glass of wine (150 ml, 13%)1.5 standard drinks each
0
Bottle of wine (750 ml, 13%)7.7 standard drinks each
0
Spirit nip (30 ml, 40%)1.0 standard drinks each
0
Pre-mixed spirit can (375 ml, 5%)1.5 standard drinks each
0
Cider, bottle (330 ml, 5%)1.3 standard drinks each
0
10
0standard drinks a weekThe guidelines recommend no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 on any one day.
Talk to a GP, confidentiallyCutting down
Count your drinks
Use standard drinks.
Alcohol-free days
At least two a week.
Alternate
With water or zero-alcohol drinks.
Eat first
Food slows absorption.
Change routines
Avoid triggers.
Get support
ADIS 1800 250 015.
Want to talk?
Book a confidential appointment with any GP.
Book confidentiallyMyth or fact?
Test what you know about alcohol and other drugs. Choose an answer to reveal the explanation.
01
A standard drink is the same as one glass of wine.
A typical restaurant glass of wine can be 1.5 standard drinks or more.
02
Stopping heavy drinking suddenly can be dangerous.
Talk to your GP about a safe plan.
03
No alcohol is the safest choice in pregnancy.
This is the national guideline.
0 of 3 answered
Evidence, sources and advertising standards
Information on this page is general, evidence-based and drawn from Australian health authorities and professional guidelines, including:
- NHMRC alcohol guidelines
- Your Room (NSW Health)
- healthdirect
- RACGP
- Australian Government Department of Health
Morisset Doctors advertises its services in line with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and AHPRA's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. We do not use testimonials, offer inducements, or make claims about outcomes. Individual results and experiences vary. Please talk to your GP about your own situation.
The numbers worth knowing
0Standard drinks
Maximum a week for healthy adults.
0Standard drinks
Maximum on any one day.
0Alcohol
Safest in pregnancy and under 18.
0/7Hours a day
ADIS NSW support.
Everyone involved, around you
Your care can involve more than one person. Choose a part of the care team to see how it fits together.
Youat the centre of your care
Alcohol and other drugs at every stage
Understanding your use.
Cutting down or stopping.
Family and friends.
Who can help
Every GP at Morisset Doctors can help with alcohol and other drugs. These team members list it among their interests.
GP FellowDr Mofada HadiBook now
Chronic and complex care, geriatrics, mental health, skin cancer medicine and women's health.
Book now
GP and directorDr Ali ZubaidyBook now
Skin checks and procedures, geriatric medicine, paediatrics, chronic conditions and men's health.
Book now
GP registrarDr Prishantha SirisenaBook now
Women's health, paediatrics, geriatric medicine and chronic disease. Taking new patients.
Book now
General practitionerDr Alice NajjarBook now
Women's health, children's health, pregnancy care and preventive care. Taking new patients.
Book now
General practitionerDr Christina YeongBook now
Holistic, evidence-based care with an international perspective, for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Book nowMake the most of your appointment
A little preparation gives you and your doctor more time for what matters. Your doctor will explain the options, benefits and risks, and only examine with your consent.
What to bring0 of 6 ready
Your health, your choice
Book online at any hour, or call reception from 8:00am, Monday to Friday. New patients welcome.
Alcohol and other drugs questions, answered
If yours is not here, call (02) 4006 8222 and reception will help.
Is it confidential?
Yes.
Is support bulk billed?
Consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients.
Can you help with withdrawal?
Yes, with a plan or referral.
What is a standard drink?
10 grams of alcohol; see the calculator above.
Can you help with other drugs?
Yes.
Is there support for families?
Yes, including Family Drug Support.
