Keeping a balanced lifestyle

What is safe or healthier drinking?

Plan to have at least two alcohol-free days every week.

And when you do drink, keep to:

• Two standard drinks a day for women and no more than 10 standard drinks a week.
• Three standard drinks a day for men and no more than 15 standard drinks a week.

Reduce your risk of injury on a single occasion of drinking by drinking no more than:

• Four standard drinks for women on any single occasion.
• Five standard drinks for men on any single occasion.

Keeping to these levels makes for a better night out – and a better day after. It reduces the likelihood of suffering a hangover or unpleasant post-drinking experience.

When not to drink

Avoid alcohol if you:

• Could be pregnant, are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• Are on medication that interacts with alcohol.
• Have a condition made worse by drinking alcohol.
• Feel unwell, depressed, tired or cold as alcohol could make things worse.
• Are about to operate machinery or a vehicle or do anything that is risky or requires skill.
• If you are under 18 - the safest option is to delay drinking for as long as possible. Find out more

Negative effects of alcohol

Heavy drinkers (people drinking more than 10-15 standard drinks per week) are potentially at risk of:

• Increased risk of breast and oral/throat cancers.
• Liver disease - cirrhosis and hepatitis.
• Chronic gastritis and pancreatitis.
• Increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Anaemia.
• Impaired brain development until early 20s.
• Psychological impacts - cravings, irritability, depression, anxiety, panic psychosis, hallucinations, sleep disorders.