An Australian Couple’s Weekly Alcohol Intake Raises Concerns
An Australian couple has shocked the internet after revealing their weekly alcohol intake while holding down steady jobs and taking care of teenage children.
The Reddit Post
In a post on Reddit, a father of two teenagers asked whether he and his wife’s drinking habits were out of the ordinary after receiving a shocked reaction from work colleagues when admitting the quantities of alcohol the pair consumed weekly. The post was titled: ‘Do I drink too much?’
The Alcohol Consumption
“So, I work fulltime (45 hours per week) and we’re raising two teenagers,” the man’s post began. “I’d get through about five bottles of vodka, whilst my wife (nurse who works 32 hours per week) would have about one bottle of vodka with three bottles of wine per week. I’ll add that we don’t get falling-down drunk every night.”
Reactions and Concerns
Reactions to the post included some readers describing the pair as “functioning alcoholics”. “Yes, you are basically functioning alcoholics,” a user said, adding a link to the “stopdrinking” forum on Reddit. “How are you not dead?” another asked. “You are (not so) slowly killing yourselves. You are also providing terrible role models for your children,” said another reader. “Categorically yes, that’s too much. That’s not normal. You both need to get sober,” another wrote.
Functioning Alcoholics
While some questioned the validity of the post, a reader from New Zealand said they knew people who drank to excess but still functioned in society day-to-day. “You’d be surprised how many functioning alcoholics there are out there. I live in NZ, which has a fairly similar drinking culture to Australia, and I know a quite lot of people – who would be considered perfectly normal by a casual acquaintance – who drink somewhere in the region of 30-50 standard drinks per week.”
Personal Struggles
Other readers revealed their own struggles with alcohol. “I’m also a functioning alcoholic,” one person wrote. “I drink a bottle of wine a night on most nights. I’m keenly aware this is bad for my health and try to have at least two alcohol-free days a week.” Another wrote: “I’m a functioning alcoholic and yes, that’s a lot of alcohol. I’m sorry to break it to you, but this is what alcoholism looks like. Alcoholics aren’t always messy, slurring drunks.”
The Cost and Risks
Readers were also shocked by the cost of bingeing booze on a daily basis. Other users pointed out risks to the pair and others. “Your wife is at risk of being hungover at work and smelling of alcohol. Both of you are at risk of having a breathalyser [reading of] 0.05 or above in the morning. “So you’re permanently pickled basically? Hope you’re not driving while p***ed.”
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – The excessive alcohol consumption of the couple raises concerns about their health and well-being.
- Goal 4: Quality Education – The couple’s behavior may negatively impact their role as parents and serve as a poor example for their children.
- Goal 5: Gender Equality – The wife’s alcohol consumption as a nurse may affect her performance at work and potentially compromise her professional reputation.
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration and other health issues, emphasizing the importance of access to clean water for overall well-being.
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – The post highlights the prevalence of functioning alcoholics in society, indicating a need for support and interventions to address alcohol addiction.
Standard Drink Measurements
- One standard drink for a 40% spirit is 30 millilitres.
- One standard drink for a 13% wine is 100ml – or a glass of wine.
- One standard drink for a 4% beer is 330ml – or a regular can of beer.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
- SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles
- SDG 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life
- SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
- SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Alcohol consumption per week (number of bottles of vodka and wine)
- Number of hours worked per week
- Presence of alcohol-related health issues
- Impact on family and children
- Perception of drinking habits by colleagues and society
- Number of functioning alcoholics in society
- Cost of alcohol consumption
- Risk of being hungover at work
- Risk of driving under the influence
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | – Alcohol consumption per week (number of bottles of vodka and wine) – Presence of alcohol-related health issues |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles | – Impact on family and children – Perception of drinking habits by colleagues and society |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | SDG 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life | – Number of hours worked per week |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | – Number of hours worked per week |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | – Perception of drinking habits by colleagues and society – Number of functioning alcoholics in society |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels | – Perception of drinking habits by colleagues and society |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nzherald.co.nz
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
