Reducing Exposure

Reducing exposure is easy in concept but is usually more difficult in practice. Most importantly, women who are planning on becoming pregnant or who are pregnant should not consume alcohol. Men need to support and encourage women's avoidance of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. For many who consume alcohol, it is important to learn how to manage exposure. Food consumption slows alcohol absorption, so eat when drinking and do not to consume alcohol on an empty stomach. There is a great amount of variability in the percent of alcohol in drinks. It is a good practice to consume fewer drinks that have high alcohol content.

Conclusion

Alcohol is a readily available toxic chemical that can yield pleasurable experience or disastrous effects that can cause enormous suffering. The most tragic effects occur when a woman consumes alcohol during pregnancy, producing irreversible harm to the developing fetus. The consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is the single greatest cause of preventable birth defects and learning and performance disabilities. Alcohol is associated with motor vehicle accidents and a range of other detrimental effects. While government regulatory agencies and policy responses have worked to reduce the adverse health and societal effects, over $1 billion is spent every year advertising the consumption of this chemical. In conclusion, consume with caution and beware of your individual sensitivity.

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