Alcohol Mis-use
Drinking alcohol is a well-accepted aspect of society, but when it becomes something which is out of control, it is described as mis-use, or hazardous drinking, and long-term alcohol mis-use is a major risk factor for a wide range of serious conditions, such as:
- heart disease
- stroke
- liver disease
- liver cancer and bowel cancer
As well as health problems, long-term alcohol misuse can lead to social problems such as unemployment, divorce, domestic abuse and homelessness.
Recommended units per week
The recommended daily limits for alcohol consumption are:
- no more than three to four units a day for men
- no more than two to three units a day for women
For both men and women, it is also recommended to include some alcohol-free days each week. You are putting your health at risk if you regularly exceed the recommended daily limits.
How many units do you drink? Check out the calculator which will work it out for you:
http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Alcohol-unit-calculator.aspx
Calculate if you are drinking too much in the “drinking self-assessment”:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Check out these websites for help and advice:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/Pages/Introduction.aspx
