New regular health slot on PutneySW15.com in association with the Wandsworth Teaching PCT

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Think before you drink

A night out. A wedding. A birthday. When it’s time to celebrate, many people use alcohol to help them relax and have fun, but it can be dangerous if you drink too much, too fast. Before you raise your glass, check out the facts.

Binge drinking can kill. After three (75ml) vodkas, you might be the life and soul of the party, but if you go on knocking it back, you risk more than a hangover. Excessive drinking, that’s six units of alcohol in an hour for most adults, can slow your heartbeat and make you lose consciousness. Some people never wake up.

A unit of alcohol depends on the strength of what you’re drinking. One unit is half a pint of ordinary strength lager, beer, or cider; a 75ml measure of spirits; or a 125ml glass of wine. A bottle of alcopops is two units; a bottle of wine between 6.8 and 9 units; and a 500ml can of beer is approximately 4 units.

Try not to drink more than the recommended limit: three to four units a day, or less, for men, two to three units a day, or less, for women. Drink for drink, alcohol has more effect on women than men because their metabolism is different, so girls shouldn’t try to keep up with the lads.

Drinking heavily over a long period increases your risk of heart disease, liver disease, certain types of cancer, high blood pressure, stroke, infertility and a variety of mental health problems.

If you get drunk, avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours to let your body recover. Choose something else, like fruit juice or alcohol-free beer, instead. If you’re watching your weight, don’t forget: alcohol is high in calories, water is a calorie-free alternative.

Alcohol can make people do irresponsible things, like getting into a car with a stranger, or forgetting to use a condom during sex. It is also a major cause of road accidents. The drink-drive limit is 80mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. At twice the legal limit, you are 50 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident. So never drink and drive.

If your drinking is out of control, if you need more, if you are drinking first thing or hiding bottles, call Drinkline for confidential advice on 0800 917 8282. Alternatively, visit www.howsyourdrink.org.uk or www.alcoholconcern.org.uk for more information.

 

May 5, 2006