Health & Safety

Responsible Drinking

Wine is meant to be enjoyed responsibly. Learn about safe drinking practices, Australian guidelines, and how to appreciate wine as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Australian Alcohol Guidelines

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) provides evidence-based guidelines for safe alcohol consumption in Australia:

Recommended Limits

  • • Healthy adults: No more than 10 standard drinks per week
  • • Daily maximum: No more than 4 standard drinks on any day
  • • Alcohol-free days: At least 2 days per week without alcohol
  • • Pregnancy: No safe level - avoid alcohol completely
  • • Under 18: Alcohol is not recommended for anyone under 18

What is a Standard Drink?

A standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. For wine:

  • • 100ml of wine (13.5% alcohol) = 1 standard drink
  • • 150ml glass of wine (12% alcohol) = 1.4 standard drinks
  • • 750ml bottle of wine (13.5% alcohol) = 7.5 standard drinks
Health & Wellbeing

Potential Benefits

Moderate wine consumption may offer some benefits when part of a balanced lifestyle:

  • • Social enjoyment and cultural appreciation
  • • Antioxidants (particularly in red wine)
  • • Relaxation and stress relief in moderation
  • • Enhanced dining experiences

Health Risks

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health problems:

  • • Liver disease and cardiovascular problems
  • • Increased cancer risk
  • • Mental health issues
  • • Dependency and addiction
  • • Impaired judgement and accidents
Critical Safety Information

Never Drink and Drive

There is no safe level of alcohol when driving. Even small amounts can impair your ability to drive safely. Always plan alternative transport.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Alcohol can cause serious harm to developing babies.

Medication Interactions

Alcohol can interact dangerously with many medications. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about alcohol consumption when taking medication.

Enjoying Wine Responsibly

Wine appreciation is about quality, not quantity. Here's how to enjoy wine responsibly:

Before Drinking

  • • Eat a proper meal before drinking
  • • Plan your transport home
  • • Set limits for yourself
  • • Choose quality over quantity
  • • Drink plenty of water

While Drinking

  • • Sip slowly and savour the wine
  • • Alternate with water or non-alcoholic drinks
  • • Don't drink on an empty stomach
  • • Know your limits and stick to them
  • • Avoid drinking games or pressure
Recognising Alcohol Problems

It's important to recognise when alcohol consumption becomes problematic:

Warning Signs

  • • Drinking more than intended regularly
  • • Feeling unable to control drinking
  • • Drinking to cope with stress or emotions
  • • Neglecting responsibilities due to drinking
  • • Relationship problems caused by drinking
  • • Drinking despite health problems
  • • Needing more alcohol to feel the same effects

When to Seek Help

If you're concerned about your drinking or someone else's, it's important to seek help early. Many effective treatments and support services are available.

Special Considerations

Age-Related Factors

  • • Young adults (18-25): Higher risk of binge drinking
  • • Older adults (65+): Increased sensitivity to alcohol
  • • Medication interactions: More common with age

Health Conditions

  • • Liver disease: Avoid alcohol completely
  • • Heart conditions: Consult your doctor
  • • Mental health: Alcohol can worsen symptoms
  • • Diabetes: Monitor blood sugar carefully
cork's Commitment to Responsible Service

As a wine recommendation platform, cork is committed to promoting responsible alcohol consumption:

  • • Quality Focus: We emphasise wine appreciation and quality over quantity
  • • Educational Content: Providing information about responsible drinking practices
  • • Age Verification: Ensuring all users are 18+ before accessing our services
  • • Moderation Messaging: Promoting wine as part of a balanced lifestyle
  • • No Excessive Consumption: Our recommendations focus on enjoyment, not intoxication
  • • Support Resources: Connecting users with help when needed
Support & Resources

If you need support with alcohol-related concerns, help is available:

National Support Services

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015 (24/7)

Lifeline Crisis Support: 13 11 14 (24/7)

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Alcoholics Anonymous Australia: aa.org.au

Online Resources

DrinkWise Australia: drinkwise.org.au

Hello Sunday Morning: hellosundaymorning.org

Your Room (NSW): yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au

Australian Guidelines: nhmrc.gov.au/health-advice/alcohol

Professional Help

Speak to your GP, contact a local community health centre, or call the services above for confidential advice and support. Early intervention is most effective.

Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Support is available, and recovery is possible with the right help and commitment.