Drink Wise
Its important to be aware of what you're drinking and how much.
Know Your Limit. Know When To Say No
- THINK - A unit of alcohol measure is used to determine what is recommended to be safe levels of drinking for men and women - these are now given as daily maximums - Men 3 to 4 units per day; Women - 2 to 3 units per day.
- Women who are trying to become pregnant, or are at any stage of pregnancy, are advised not to drink more than 1 or 2 units of alcohol once or twice a week.
- If you are taking medication, ask your GP's advice or look at your prescription for guidance.
- THINK - A large bottle and free hand at home can mean measures are more generous (and have more units of alcohol) than a pub measure. Some drinks such as premium lager have more units of alcohol in them than other standard strength beers which is also worth remembering when totting up your totals!
- THINK - Units are not like diet points - you cannot save them up for the weekend. Binge drinking can lead to many problems - most severe being death from stroke, cancer, liver disease, injury and suicide.
- THINK - Excessive drinking places a burden on the NHS, particularly on Accident and Emergency departments. Up to 35% of all A&E's attendance and ambulance costs (£500 million) are estimated to be alcohol-related and up to 150,000 hospital admissions are related to alcohol misuse.
- THINK - Are you finding it hard to stop? Between 15,000 and 22,000 deaths each year are associated with alcohol misuse. If you are concerned, seek advice from your GP.
For more information contact Drinkline - a free and confidential telephone helpline for people who need help and support with their own or someone else's drinking. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 0800 917 8282.