Alcohol and drugs Attitudes to drinking and drug-taking vary across the world. Make sure you're aware of local laws and customs.

In this article

Alcohol

Legal concerns

Drugs

If you're going somewhere hot, it's important to keep your body hydrated. Alcohol, however, is dehydrating. If you do have a drink, alternate non-alcohol drinks with alcoholic ones.

Drinking at altitude will get you drunk faster. This means your usual limits will be lowered the first few days, so pace yourself.

Be aware of the different drinks available in various countries. A beer isn't always a beer - at around nine per cent ABV, a Belgian tripel is much stronger than most lagers available in the UK. Know your limits.

Above all, think before you drink. A quick pint before sports or activities isn't a good idea. Alcohol combined with swimming, waterskiing and cycling, for example, can result in injury or even death.

Some countries have strict laws forbidding alcohol or restricting its importation and consumption. Check your destination with the Foreign Office before you leave.

Public drunkenness is frowned upon in some countries, and is a jailable offence in others. Again, check before you leave.

Many countries' drink-driving limits are lower than in the UK. In Sweden, for example, the legal limit is 20mg alcohol per 100ml blood, compared with 80mg in the UK. The punishment in some countries is mandatory imprisonment.

A criminal record for drug offences can prevent your entry to some countries, such as the US. Check entry requirements before you book your holiday.

Penalties for drug offences committed abroad can be severe, even if you only have a small amount on your person. Lengthy jail terms and even the death sentence have been handed down to Britons dealing in illegal substances overseas.

British consuls can't get you out of prison. However, they will take action if you believe your rights have been denied.

Don't become a victim:

• Don't carry parcels or luggage through customs for other people. If it's in your suitcase, it's your crime.
• Don't cross borders with people you don't know or even new friends - you could be detained as an accessory or accomplice to their smuggling.
• Carry a doctor's prescription for any medicines you need and keep a copy of the original prescription with your important documents.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Trisha Macnair in September 2006.
First published in May 2001.