*This applies to England and Wales. In N.Ireland a pub measure equals 1.5 units and in Scotland 1.25 or 1.5 units.
# ABV means alcohol by Volume. These strengths appear on all labels and may be shown as' alcohol% vol' or '% vol'.
Extra strength larger has 9%abv three times that of ordinary beer whilst low alcohol beers and lagers may be as low as 0.05% abv.
When assessing how much you drink per week it may be useful in making a diary and recording when you drink more and who you are with. Remember to include all parts of the day not just evenings and that home measures are usually greater than those in the pub. Then compare your results with the table below.
What are the long term effects of drinking too much?
Extensive drinking can cause:- stomach disorders(gastritis,bleeding and ulcers)
Depression and other psychiatric and emotional disorders
High blood pressure
Vitamin deficiency
Sexual difficulties
Brain damage
Muscle disease
Problems with the nervous system (especially nerve pains in the legs and arms)
Hepatitis(inflammation of the liver) and cirrhosis permanent scarring of the liver)
Cancer of the mouth, throat and gullet
More problems for people with diabetes
Heavy drinkers can become overweight since alcohol is high in calories e.g. 180 calories in a pint of beer. It is low in nutrients though, so they can still suffer from malnutrition.
Here are a few ideas you may try to avoid making a fool of yourself, damaging your health, waking up with a hangover, being involved in accidents, harming other people and hurting your pocket.
Choose low-alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks. You don't need a drink to enjoy yourself
Pace you drinking throughout the evening. Treat yourself with the money you save on something you'd not usually allow yourself. Enjoy a long lie-in rather than sleeping off a hangover
From you drinking diary see if there are places where you always drink heavily or when your with certain people. How were you feeling at the time? Were you more tense than usual? Do you drink more at certain times of the day? Try and arrange your life to combat these times of heaviest drinking
If you drink more with friends who buy rounds in turn for each other, try drinking more slowly so you can skip some rounds. Ask for low or non alcoholic drinks now and then or a smaller measure.
If you feel you're likely to drink more than you really want to, create a deliberate delay. Go somewhere for five minutes, say to yourself, I'm in control of my own life'. You are. Often you'll be able to stick to your plan.
Remember that getting drunk does not make you tall, rich, strong, attractive, smart, witty sophisticated or sexy.
If you are having major problems talk to a friend or member of the family. They may be able to offer support. Alternatively you can seek advice from you doctor ,nurse or local alcohol advice centre.
