Everyone drinks alcohol - don't they?

It can be difficult to realise that you can become addicted to and dependent on alcohol, as so many people drink it and it’s often a big part of your social life.

How it affects you depends on how much you drink, how quickly, the strength of the drink, how used to alcohol you are and your size and weight. Drinking lots of alcohol in a short time is particularly risky if you are young as the alcohol will have more of an effect. While you are drunk you are also more vulnerable to personal harm and crime. However much you drink check out this guide on how to keep yourself safe when you are drinking.

Did you know?

• The strength of the drink is shown as a percentage (%) on the bottle/can – the higher the % the more alcohol the drink has in it.
• It takes your body one hour to break down one unit of alcohol (a unit is the same as half a pint of normal strength beer, or a small glass of wine, or a 25ml measure of spirits).
• Health experts say you shouldn’t drink more than 3-4 units a day if you’re male and no more than 2-3 units a day if you’re female.
• Alcohol in any amount can disrupt your co-ordination, reaction time and judgement.
• Almost half of all adults who end up in hospital with head injuries have alcohol in their system.
• Alcohol is the third biggest killer after heart disease and cancer.
• Alcohol can lead to problems such as weight gain, depression, liver, heart and stomach conditions.

If you’re worried that you have become dependent on alcohol get help from Alcoholics Anonymous  or call their 24 hour help line on 0845 769 7555 or check out the local organisations who can help.

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