Alcohol and you
Men
Despite recent media attention on young people and women's drinking, men are still the heaviest drinkers. Significantly more men than women require treatment for alcohol problems, In 2005/06 twice as many men as women were discharged from hospital with an alcohol related diagnosis. In fact, 73% of alcohol-related deaths are men, and most are aged between 45 and 64.
For advice on sticking to safe limits, and information on how alcohol can affect your body and mind, read our Sensible drinking and Alcohol & Behaviour leaflets.
Sensible Drinking (PDF 217kb)
Alcohol & Behaviour (PDF 193kb)
Women
It is concerning that women, particularly young women, are drinking more because there are distinct differences in the way that alcohol affects women physically and women's drinking is sometimes viewed differently by society, particularly if it becomes a problem for them. Find out more in our Women & Alcohol leaflet.
Young people
40% of 15 year old boys and 46% of 15 year old girls report drinking alcohol in the last week. Many people think that experimenting with alcohol is just a part of growing up and while this may be true, there are a number of risks which young people need to be aware of if they are going to drink because they have a much lower tolerance to alcohol than adults.
What's in a drink? (PDF 207kb)
Alcohol-what every parent should know guide (PDF 910kb)
Older people
Older people should be particularly careful with alcohol because the ability to handle alcohol diminishes in later life and this can put the health and safety of older people at risk. Read our Alcohol and older people leaflet for advice on drinking safely.
Alcohol and Older People (PDF 176kb)
Families
Alcohol can have a major impact on family relationships. Partners may have arguments about drinking too much or about the amount of money being spent on alcohol and children can feel confused about how their parent's behaviour changes when they are drinking. Other family members may be reluctant to step in and offer help because they feel it's not their place to get involved.
For more information on what to do if alcohol is a problem in your family, read the leaflet.
When problem drinking affects your family (PDF 1.5Mb)
Colleagues
The majority of people with an alcohol problem are in work. Regularly drinking too much will affect workplace performance, increase rates of sickness absence which can threaten job security, and increase the risk of workplace accidents.
Employers are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of their employees. Employers can take practical steps to minimise the risks associated with inappropriate drinking, such as having a workplace alcohol policy.
For more information visit Healthy Working Lives.
Ethnic minority groups
Although certain communities place restrictions on the use of alcohol for religious or cultural reasons, some people from ethnic minority groups do drink alcohol and can experience problems with their alcohol use. People may be discouraged from talking openly about alcohol issues which can make seeking help difficult. The alcohol counselling agencies across Scotland offer a confidential service to anyone concerned about their own or someone else's drinking.
Students
Figures show that 16-24 year olds are the group most likely to binge drink and whilst more mature students are attending colleges and universities now, a culture of drinking to excess is often seen as being part of the student experience.
Alcohol Focus Scotland and the National Union of Students (Scotland) have worked together to produce information about safe drinking for students. Read our Students & Booze leaflet or visit your student welfare office for advice and help.
