Alcohol

Alcohol and you

The headlines keep telling us that Britain is getting boozier so it’s important that you get the facts about alcohol if you are to make the right choices. The links below will give some facts about alcohol and some people to contact if your drinking, or the drinking of someone close to you, is causing you problems.

The facts and figures

• The legal age to buy drink in the UK is 18
• The recommended sensible drinking amount for men is 3 to 4 units a day and for women 2-3 units a day with at least 2 alcohol free days a week.
• Alcohol affects women more than men because their bodies contain less water and their metabolism is different.
• Alcohol is the no 1 killer of young men in Europe. (WHO Global Burden of disease 2000)

If you do choose to drink there are lots of good reasons for staying in control. Here are just 5 of them.

• Looking good - The bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, ageing skin and red nose that alcohol gives you aren't going to win you any beauty contests.
• Feeling good - excessive alcohol can give you lots of health problems. These can range from vomiting in the short term to long term effects of weight gain, liver damage, depression and low sperm count.
• Getting home in one piece - drunk people are far more at risk of car accidents, being attacked, drowning and generally falling over.
• Making friends and keeping them - you might feel like the most popular person in the room but when you've had a bit to drink you are more likely to say things you'll regret. Remember - you can only look out for your mates if you've got your head together.
• Going at your own pace - staying in control means you don't end up having sex with people before you are ready. If you have sex when you're drunk you are more likely to have unsafe sex which can lead to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

Hints and tips if you do choose to drink

Tips for keeping in control if you do choose to drink

• Keep track of how many units you are drinking
• When you go out set a budget, take the cash out and leave your cash cards at home.
• Try to look for activities that don't involve alcohol
• Have more alcohol free days
• Drink a non alcoholic drink in between each alcoholic one.
• Never drink on an empty stomach.

Useful Websites

drinkaware.co.uk

Talk to Frank

Down your Drink