Alcohol & Health

Drinking too much can damage your physical and mental health in the short and long term. As well as affecting your weight, looks and sleep, heavy drinking can lead to a wide range of medical conditions including high blood pressure, liver disease, strokes, cancers and brain damage.

Doctors agree that drinking more than the daily guidelines damages health in the short and long term.  

The guidelines for adults are as follows:

Men: No more than 3-4 units a day and no more than 21 units in one week.

Women: No more than 2-3 units a day and no more than 14 units a week.

We all need at least 2 days a week without alcohol.

Alcohol should be avoided completely:

• During pregnancy
• When driving or operating machinery
• Before exercising or playing sport
• When taking certain medications
• If you’re feeling low or anxious