How much is too much?
The food and drink industry is a large part of our culture in the UK – from fish and chips, a pint in the pub, through to Michelin starred restaurants and paired wine lists to match.
Drinking when we eat, or socialise is normal and a big part of our society and social life, and drinking in moderation is fun and safe.
However how much is too much? And what is excessive drinking?
To keep drinking in moderation and health risks from alcohol at a low level, it is advised in the UK that:
- Maximum of 14 units a week
- These 14 units should be spread over 3 or more days
- Keep to several drink-free days per week
To put it into perspective, 14 units is equivalent to 6 pints or 10 small glasses of wine. See more here.
Too much alcohol?
If you are drinking too much, excessively or binging is usually classed as at least 4 drinks on a single occasion or a minimum of 8 drinks per week.
If you are drinking to a point where you are not in control of your own body or actions, then it is a risk to your health.
If you relate to the following, you should not be drinking at all:
- Younger than 18
- Pregnant or potentially pregnant
- Driving or planning on driving
- Taking certain prescription medication
- Struggling with other medical conditions
- Recovering from drug or alcohol addiction
Other situations you should not drink.
What are the signs of alcohol addiction?
With drinking as a central part of our society, it can be tricky to spot the signs of alcoholism – firstly due to the prevalence of drinking culture, but also because alcoholics can be secretive or in denial.
Here are some signs of alcoholism to help understand your own addiction or the problems of others:
- A lack of interest in daily activities or hobbies
- Depending on drinking to get through daily activities
- Feeling the urge to drink constantly
- Feeling tired, unwell or irritable
- Anxiety and/or depression, or other mental health issues
- Becoming secretive about how much you are drinking
- Isolating yourself from others or social events
If you are worried about yourself or others, then it is vital to seek professional and medical support. Causes of alcoholism.
To learn more about alcohol rehab treatment and the typical duration of treatment, click here.
How to drink safely and responsibly
Here are 5 tips to help you drink sensibly:
- Understand how much drink you are having and how much you should be having.
- Eat before and during drinking sessions
- Count your drinks
- Stay hydrated during drinking sessions with alcohol-free drinks
- Don’t be ashamed to say ‘no’
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