Information on risks of drinking too much alcohol and benefits of cutting down
Advice and information
Alcohol units
How much Alcohol do you drink? Take a few minutes to complete our questionnaire
| How often do you have a drink containing alcohol? | |
| 0 | Never |
| 1 | Monthly or less |
| 2 | 2–4 times per month |
| 3 | 2–3 times per week |
| 4 | 4+ times per week |
| How many units of alcohol do you drink on a typical day when you are drinking? | |
| 0 | 1–2 |
| 1 | 3–4 |
| 2 | 5–6 |
| 3 | 7–9 |
| 4 | 10+ |
| How often have you had 6 or more units if female, or 8 or more if male, on a single occasion in the last year? | |
| 0 | Never |
| 1 | Less than monthly |
| 2 | Monthly |
| 3 | Weekly |
| 4 | Daily or almost daily |
scores of 8 or above indicate you regularly drink above the guidelines
So how much is a low risk amount for men and women?
Regularly drinking no more than 14 units per week, spread over at least 3 days.
If you drink above the low risk guidelines on a regular basis this makes you at an increased risk of alcohol related harm.
You are more vulnerable to:
- Injury (slips, trips and falls)
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Mood changes
- Lethargy
- Memory Issues
- High Blood pressure
- Stroke
- Alcohol Dependence
- Liver Disease
Cancer (Alcohol increases the risk of liver, bowel, breast, mouth, pharyngeal, oesophageal and laryngeal cancer)
You may be shocked or surprised that you find yourself in the more at risk category – sometimes increased alcohol use can sneak up on you especially if you have had stressful life events.
You may want to make changes – friends and family may have commented on your drinking – you may have thought ‘I need to cut down’. Maybe you have missed work with one too many hangovers.
Know your number!
Start to keep a record of your units by keeping a drink diary.
Units can creep up without realising. Start to notice days you may be more vulnerable to drinking more. When stressed, celebrating, socialising or feeling lonely or depressed.
Set goals to stay within the healthy limits and stick to your plan.
Make sure you have eaten before you start to drink.
Alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
Avoid getting into rounds with friends.
Never drink and drive.
Benefits of cutting down
- No hangovers
- Save money
- Improved mood
- Improved sleep
- More energy
- Weight loss
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced risk of alcohol related Illness
Be careful!
You may require professional support to stop drinking alcohol if you find yourself experiencing symptoms of physical withdrawal before you have had your first drink of the day, eg:
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Nausea
- Anxiety
It can be dangerous to stop abruptly. A slow gradual reduction is the safest option with appropriate support.
If you have been drinking large amounts daily – there is a risk of seizure and delirium tremens.
Contact Numbers
Alcohol Intervention Team
Basingstoke 01256 313518
Winchester 01962 825944
Inclusion 03001240103
Swanswell Berkshire 0300 0037025
Family support
Hampshire wide 023 80399764
Phone for an appointment
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