ALCOHOL in moderation can help us relax and can add to our enjoyment of social events.
However, too much can be bad for our health.
Many of us are too ready to dismiss our own or family’s and friends’ drinking habits as a harmless social activity with little concern to the short and long-term damage we are doing to our bodies. The recommended alcohol limits are two to three units of alcohol per day for women, 14 per week, and no more than three to four units per day for men, 21 per week.
And it is easier than you may think to exceed these limits.
Dr Gary Tanner, clinical lead of NHS Lanarkshire’s drugs and alcohol service says people need to be aware of how much they are really drinking and what the effects could be.
Dr Gary Tanner, clinical lead of NHS Lanarkshire’s drugs and alcohol service says people need to be aware of how much they are really drinking and what the effects could be.
He said: “There is still evidence that many people underestimate the effects of their alcohol use, and the potential harm that they might do.
“People often think a couple of glasses a wine over dinner is acceptable. But, these days, those two glasses of wine will often be larger measures than in the past, and could easily add up to half a bottle.
“Half a bottle of standard (12 per cent) wine is around 4.5 units of alcohol. Drink that on four or five nights a week and it takes women well over the weekly recommended drinking levels, and takes men to the top end of the recommended level.”
In this section you can find information on the services and groups available to help and support anyone who may have an alcohol related problem.
Short-term effects of alcohol misuse:
- Sickness
- Headaches
- Increased risk taking
- Getting into fights
- Hangovers
- Alcohol poisoning
Long-term effects of alcohol abuse:
- Liver damage
- Stomach disorders – ulcers, gastritis
- Cancer of the mouth, throat, gullet
- Sexual difficulties
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Muscle disease
- Depression