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Did you know?

* Binge drinking is having more than six units for women and eight units for men in a single drinking session. That’s the same as three pints of premium lager for men or four standard glasses of white wine for women.

Drinking sensibly

Drinking small amounts of alcohol is a pleasant social activity for many people. However, as the amount you drink and the number of times you drink increases, so do the risks. The risks associated with excessive alcohol drinking include raised blood pressure, stomach disorders, depression and emotional disorders, malnutrition and liver disorders.

Regularly drinking too much means that you are more likely to die early from liver disease or be admitted to hospital for health problems linked to drinking alcohol.

Sensible drinking guidelines

• Women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day and a maximum of 14 units a week
• Men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units a day and a maximum of 21 units a week
• Drink alcohol on no more than five days a week
• Have a day off between drinking days and don’t drink for 48 hours after a binge
• Pregnant women, women trying to conceive and people with certain medical conditions should not drink alcohol at all
• If you regularly drink more than 15-34 units for women and 22-49 units for men per week you should see your GP for advice

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Please visit the NHS Know Your Limits website for further information about safe drinking guidelines.

Help available

If you are misusing alcohol, or if you are concerned about a friend or relative, contact your GP who will help you to access the right health services.

The following local and national services can also be accessed.

Drinkline (Mon-Fri 9am-11pm, Sat & Sun 6pm-11pm)
Tel: 0800 917 8282

Alcoholics Anonymous
Tel: 0843 769 7555

Alcohol Concern
Tel: 020 7395 4000

NHS Direct - for details of your local GP
Tel: 08454647

Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust’s integrated drug and alcohol service
Tel: 0191 219 5600