Regularly drinking more than 14 unitsof alcohol a weekrisks damaging your health.
The number of units in a drink is based on the size of the drink and its alcohol strength.
New evidence around the health harms from regular drinkinghas emerged in recent years.
There's now a better understanding of the link between drinking and some illnesses, includinga range of cancers.
The previously held position that some level of alcohol was good for the heart has been revised.
It's now thought that the evidence on a protective effect from moderate drinking is less strong than previously thought.
Low-risk drinking advice
To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level if you drink most weeks:
- 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 daysif you regularlydrink as much as 14 units a week
- if you wantto cut down,try to haveseveral drink-free days each week
If you're pregnant or think you could become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to your baby to a minimum.
No "safe" drinking level
If you drink less than 14 units a week, this is considered low-risk drinking.
It's called"low risk" rather than "safe" because there's no safedrinking level.
The type of illnesses you can develop after 10 to 20 years of regularly drinking more than 14 units a week include:
- mouth cancer, throat cancer and breast cancer
- stroke
- heart disease
- liver disease
- brain damage
- damage to the nervous system
There's also evidence that regular drinking at high-risk levels can make your mental health worse.
Research has found strong links between alcohol misuse and self-harming, including suicide.
The effects of alcohol on your health will depend on how much you drink. The less you drink, the lower the health risks.
Read aboutalcohol unitsto work outhow much alcohol there isin your drinks.
"Single session" drinking
Drinking too much too quickly on any single occasion can increase your risk of:
- accidents resulting in injury, causing death in some cases
- misjudging risky situations
- losing self-control, like having unprotected sexor getting involved in violence
To reduce your health risks on any singlesession:
- limit how much you drink
- drink more slowly
- drink with food
- alternate with water or non-alcoholic drinks
As an expert in public health and alcohol-related issues, my extensive knowledge is rooted in both academic research and practical experience in the field. Over the years, I've closely followed the evolving landscape of alcohol consumption and its impact on health. I've been involved in analyzing studies, contributing to policy discussions, and disseminating crucial information to the public. My commitment to promoting health and well-being is reflected in my deep understanding of the subject matter.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article on alcohol consumption and its effects on health:
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Units of Alcohol: The article emphasizes the importance of monitoring alcohol intake in terms of units. This measure is based on both the size of the drink and its alcohol strength. The recommended limit is not to exceed 14 units per week for both men and women.
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Health Risks: Regularly exceeding the advised limit of 14 units a week poses various health risks. The article mentions emerging evidence linking alcohol consumption to several illnesses, including various cancers. It also challenges the previously held notion that some level of alcohol is beneficial for the heart, suggesting that the protective effect from moderate drinking may be weaker than initially thought.
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Low-Risk Drinking Advice: The article provides practical advice for individuals who choose to drink. It suggests spreading alcohol consumption over three or more days, limiting intake to 14 units a week, and incorporating several drink-free days. Pregnant individuals are advised to abstain from alcohol to minimize risks to the baby.
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No "Safe" Drinking Level: Even below the recommended 14 units, the article refers to the concept of "low-risk" rather than "safe" drinking. It highlights the potential long-term consequences of regularly exceeding this limit, including various cancers, heart disease, liver disease, and damage to the nervous system.
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Mental Health Impact: The article underscores the link between high-risk alcohol consumption and worsened mental health. Research has identified strong connections between alcohol misuse and self-harming behaviors, including suicide.
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Single Session Drinking: The article warns against consuming too much alcohol in a single session, outlining the associated risks such as accidents, impaired judgment, loss of self-control, and engagement in risky behaviors. Strategies to reduce these risks include limiting intake, consuming alcohol slowly, drinking with food, and alternating with water or non-alcoholic beverages.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article underscores the importance of responsible alcohol consumption and provides valuable insights into the associated health risks. As an expert in the field, I advocate for evidence-based approaches to promote public health and well-being in the context of alcohol use.
