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Alchohol Dependence Advice
Research suggests that moderate amounts of alcohol can have positive health benefits. For men over 40, and women after the menopause, having one or two small drinks a day can help prevent coronary heart disease. However, it is also estimated that a quarter of men and one in six women in the UK drink enough to put their health at risk - and the problem is increasing.
Current government guidelines state that men should consume no more than three or four units of alcohol per day; women should consume no more than two or three units. (The limits for women are less than for men because the body composition of women has less water than men.)
Some medical experts believe that these limits are too high and that men should have no more than three units per day, and women no more than two. Having at least two drink-free days per week is also recommended.
Pregnant women are advised to drink no more than one or two units of alcohol once or twice a week - and preferably to avoid alcohol completely. Heavy drinking during pregnancy can potentially damage the health of the baby.
What counts as a unit of alcohol?
A "unit" is 8 grams of pure alcohol, regardless of the amount of liquid that contains it. One unit is equal to:
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Half a pint (300ml) of average strength lager, beer or cider |
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A small glass (125ml) of wine |
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One standard pub measure of spirits (25ml) |
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A small glass (25ml)of fortified wine, such as sherry or port |
Many drinks popular today are considerably stronger than these once-standard drinks. Strong lagers and pilsners such as Stella Artois, Grolsch or Kronenbourg contain around three units of alcohol per pint.
High levels of alcohol consumption can result in physical illness and psychological and social distress. A person is generally considered to be dependent on alcohol when they have experienced three or more of the following symptoms during a year:
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A strong urge to drink, which takes priority over other activities
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Difficulty controlling drinking |
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Developing a daily drinking pattern |
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Physical withdrawal symptoms - sweating, shaking, agitation or nausea - when trying to reduce drinking |
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Relief or avoidance of withdrawal symptoms by further drinking
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A growing tolerance to alcohol - needing larger quantities to get the same effect |
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Persistent drinking even when it is obviously causing harm |
"Problem drinking" occurs when a person is not necessarily dependent on alcohol, but their intake is enough to cause actual physical or psychological harm. Relationships, finances and employment can all be adversely affected, while long-term alcohol abuse can lead to health problems including depression, liver cirrhosis, heart failure and damage to the brain and nervous system.
There are many different ways to bring drinking under control. Many people begin by
keeping a record of how much they drink each week and when. This helps to identify situations that should be avoided in order to cut down on drinking.
If you cannot cut down on drinking on your own, confidential support is available through GPs, who may give advice and drug prescription or refer a heavy drinker to a counsellor or organisation that can provide specialist help.
Throughout the country, there are local alcohol advice centres that can put you in touch with clinics where you will find specialists, nurses and social workers who can help (see below).
Advice and Counselling on Alcohol and Drugs: ACAD
is a registered charity helping those who are concerned about their own or someone else's drinking or drug use.
Alcohol Concern: the national agency on alcohol misuse, working to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems.
Alcoholics Anonymous: a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
Information on local group meetings is available on 0845 769 7555 or from the AA website.
Drinkline (government-sponsored telephone helpline)
0800 917 8282
Visit UKOrbit's Consumer & Advice Centre for further help and information.
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