Avoiding permanent brain damage involves managing risk – we are used to using seat belts nowadays in order to manage the risks of injury in motor vehicle accidents. Similarly alcohol intake and participation in risky activities can be managed to minimise the risk of brain injury. Drinking at or below the NH&MRC safe use levels (up to 4 standard drinks per day for men, and up to 2 standard drinks per day for women, with 3 alcohol free days per week) is considered reasonably safe. There is no way to safely estimate the levels of illicit substance use that will ‘avoid’ brain damage, the only way to guarantee safety is to abstain from use .
Avoiding permanent brain damage involves managing risk – we are used to using seat belts nowadays in order to manage the risks of injury in motor vehicle accidents. Similarly alcohol intake and participation in risky activities can be managed to minimise the risk of brain injury. Drinking at or below the NH&MRC safe use levels (up to 4 standard drinks per day for men, and up to 2 standard drinks per day for women, with 3 alcohol free days per week) is considered reasonably safe. There is no way to safely estimate the levels of illicit substance use that will ‘avoid’ brain damage, the only way to guarantee safety is to abstain from use .
