What is binge drinking?
How do I know how many units I can drink?
Why can't women drink more than men if they want?
Can women continue to drink alcohol during pregnancy?
Why is there such a fuss about young people drinking - isn't it all part of growing up?
How do I know if I've got a problem?
How many drinks am I allowed if I want to drive home?
Binge drinking is drinking an excessive amount of alcohol on any one occasion i.e. drinking to get drunk. There is no one definition for binge drinking although it has been suggested that a binge is drinking more than twice the recommended daily units - more than 8 units for men and more than 6 units for women - at a time.
How do I know how many units I can drink?
Remember 1 unit does not equal 1 drink. Multiply the volume of the drink by the %ABV (alcohol by volume), then divide by 1000. For example, a bottle of wine at 12% ABV would be: 750ml x 12% ABV = 9000. 9000 ÷ 1000 = 9 units. Recommended safe limits are: 2/3 units a day up to 14 units a week for women and 3/4 units a day up to 21 units a week for men. We should all have several alcohol-free days a week.
Why can't women drink more than men if they want?
Women's bodies simply cannot handle as much as alcohol as men's. Women have a higher concentration of fat to water which means that alcohol travels around the body in a more concentrated form, causing more harm. Women are also more prone to liver damage due to lower levels of an enzyme that breaks alcohol down once in the body.
Can women continue to drink alcohol during pregnancy?
Government advice is that women should avoid alcohol when pregnant or trying to conceive due to the risk of FASD (Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders). Find out more.
Why is there such a fuss about young people drinking - isn't it all part of growing up?
Yes, learning about drinking is a part of growing up. But regular drinking and drunkenness in young people and children is on the increase. Some of the consequences of young people drinking include vomiting, alcoholic poisoning, trying other drugs, having accidents, unprotected sex and even being involved in crime.
How do I know if I've got a problem?
Problem drinking means drinking more than the sensible limits on a regular basis. Some people drink lots and appear to be fine. But they won't be able to avoid problems with their health and other areas of their lives in the longer term. Many people recover from alcohol problems. The first step is to admit that there is a problem and while this can be difficult, there are agencies across Scotland which can help. Find your nearest service here.
How many drinks am I allowed if I want to drive home?
Most experts would say don't have any alcohol at all. The legal limit is 80mg per 100ml of blood but even small amounts of alcohol can affect your reactions and everyone handles alcohol differently so it is too difficult to work out. Just don't risk it.
