Alcohol Awareness

 

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The effects of alcohol on your health will depend on how much you drink. The less you drink, the lower the health risks. The number of units you are drinking depends on the size and strength of your drink.

Both men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis. Spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week. To cut down, try to have several drink-free days each week.

Get tips on cutting down here

an alcoholic drink

 

Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first big step to getting help.

You may need help if:

  • You often feel the need to have a drink
  • You get into trouble because of your drinking
  • Other people warn you about how much you're drinking
  • You think your drinking is causing you problems

A good place to start is with a GP. Try to be accurate and honest about how much you drink and any problems it may be causing you. If you have become physically dependent and need to stop drinking completely, stopping overnight could be harmful. You should get advice about this and about any medicine you may need to do this safely.

 

Useful contacts for alcohol problems

  • Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking, you can call this free helpline in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self help group. You can find local support groups here