To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level it is recommended that both men and women should not drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis and spread these units over 3 or more days if drinking regularly. The equivalent to equivalent to 6 pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses of low-strength wine.
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It can often be difficult to keep track of how much you’re drinking over the course of an evening or a week. With so many different drinks, glass sizes and bottles it is easy to get confused about how many units you are drinking. But knowing your units can help you stay in control of your drinking.
New evidence around health harms from regular drinking have emerged over recent years and there is now a better understanding of the link between drinking and some illnesses. Alcohol is linked to more than 60 medical conditions including liver disease, at least six forms of cancer and depression. You can find out what your risk of harm from alcohol is by using our anonymous interactive tool. It asks for your gender and three questions to assess your drinking and will give you a score and level of risk based on your answers.
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all, to keep risks to you and your baby to a minimum.
There is clear evidence that alcohol can harm the developing brain, bones and hormones, so an alcohol-free childhood up to at least the age of 15 and ideally 18 is the healthiest option.
For information on how to get help or support with problems related to drugs or alcohol please contact any of the following organisations or B&NES drug and alcohol service:
Project 28 (services for Young people or call 01225 463 344
DHI Bath (Drug and Alcohol Service) 01225 329 411
B&NES drug and alcohol service 01225 329 411
You can also visit the following trusted sources for more information on alcohol:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/for-your-body/drink-less/
https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets
https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/help-and-advice/over-50s-alcohol-helpline/
https://www.thewrapdhi.org.uk/get-in-contact