What's your limit? - Drink responsibly

We’re not preaching, but it’s our duty as retailers of alcohol to help create awareness of the dangers of alcohol misuse. Alcohol abuse is one of the most serious public health issues we face, and there are more than 3 times as many deaths directly from alcohol misuse as drug abuse each year in the UK.

At Drinkon, we subscribe to the ‘less is more’ school of thought, and promote the quality of our drinks as luxury items to be savoured and appreciated responsibly.

There is ongoing debate about the potential benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, but what constitutes ‘moderation’ and would you know if you were drinking too much?

Weekly Limits

The UK Government currently advises that men shouldn’t regularly consume more than 3 or 4 units a day and that women should drink no more than 2 or three. You should aim for at least one alcohol-free day per week and experts are now recommending that the upper limit of units per week be reduced to 14 for women and 21 for men, with two or more alcohol-free days per week. Pregnant women should avoid alcohol completely, although it is suggested that one or two units once a week may not be harmful.

A Guide to Limits

One unit constitutes a small glass of wine (125ml) at 8% abv, or a half pint of lager, cider or beer at 3.5% abv, or a 25ml pub measure of spirits. However, we all tend to drink wine from larger glasses, both at home and in pubs and restaurants and one of the most common wine serves is 175ml. Most wines have an abv of around 12% these days, which brings your glass of wine up to two units of alcohol.

What are the risks?

Drinking forty or more units a week on a regular basis will start to take its toll. Your liver will begin to suffer harm, leading to potential cirrhosis within 5 to 10 years. Drinking even six units of alcohol in six hours is enough to constitute a binge, which greatly increases your blood pressure and your risk of suffering a stroke.

Other problems include liver cancer, pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, brain damage, anxiety, stress and the risk of alcohol poisoning.

Even the occasional binge can result in serious injuries and accidents, unsafe sex, fights and violence and relationship problems.

If you would like more information on alcohol awareness, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk.