Be Safe, Drink Safe

Many people have a drink, but are you aware of how much you are drinking and what is classed as 'sensible drinking'?

What is sensible drinking?

UK Government daily guidelines now state that both men and women should drink no more than 14 units over the course of three days or more. Double these units and you are classed as a binge drinker.
If you are pregnant it is better to not drink at all as no level of alcohol is found safe to drink in pregnancy.
The rules also advise that it's best not to "save up units" and drink them all in one go and to make sure you have alcohol-free days.

Tips for drinking sensibility:

• Pace your drinks with water or a soft drink between every alcoholic drink and don't mix your alcoholic drinks choose one and stick with it
• Eat a meal before drinking or if there will be food offered while you are out have a small snack before you go out
• Have some days off alcohol, one day at least a week is recommended.
• Remember the alcohol measures you pour at home are often larger than normal pub measures

Going out:

• Plan to get home before you go out- if you are going out in the car decide who will be the designated non- drinking driver or book a taxi before you leave with a licensed private hire company (details of 24 hour Tameside licensed taxis see below).
• Remember to set aside the money for your taxi at the beginning of the evening.
• Friends stick together to stay safe, don't let your friends wander off by themselves, stay together and arrange how you are getting home together.
• If you have to walk stay in a group and don't walk through unlit or unsafe areas or use unused short cuts, stay in busy areas and busy roads.
• Drinks can be spiked with either drugs or alcohol. This can lead to sexual assault or robbery. Your drink could be spiked anywhere in a pub, club at a house party even in your own home. Always keep your drink with you, don't accept drinks from a stranger or an acquaintance.

What is a Unit?

Recreated with permission from The Portman Group

This information table is only intended as a guide only. Brands may contain fewer or more calories and/or units than indicated above. For accuracy you are advised to check labels on products or contact the manufacturer.

Remember to add the calorie content of the mixer e.g. lemonade, cola or tonic water.

Remember getting drunk can lead to unwanted consequences:

• Injuries and accidents
• Unsafe and/or unwanted sex which could result in sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies
• Fights, arguments and relationship and family problems a third of all domestic violence incidents are alcohol related
• Getting into trouble with the police (50% of violent crime is alcohol related)
• Being a victim of crime

The Consequences...

Heavy drinking including binge drinking can lead to serious health problems:

• Alcohol dependence
• Sexual difficulties, including impotence and infertility
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Obesity
• Pancreatitis
• High Blood pressure
• Depression and anxiety
• Stomach disorders, such as ulcers
• Certain types of cancer
• Mood changes
• Death

Cutting Down

• Find other methods of relaxation than having a drink e.g. hot bath, reading
• Take up a new activity a new hobby or sport
• Drink low alcohol drinks
• Cut back on social activities that involve alcohol
• Buy less alcohol if you buy it with your weekly shop

Test your current drinking levels at www.drinkaware.co.uk 

Need Support?

If you feel you would like support with your drinking speak to you GP, Midwife, Occupational Health Unit or contact any of the following agencies:

• Alcohol and Drug Services Tameside (Tel: 0161 343 1133)
• Branching Out - under 19s (Tel: 0161 343 6481)
• Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline (Tel: 0800 328 0967)
• Drinkline (Tel: 0800 917 8282)
• www.drinkaware.co.uk  - for information, advice and test your drinking levels

Responsible Drinking Quiz

Test your knowledge of the Government's responsible drinking guidelines.

1. One unit of alcohol is defined in the UK as:
   
   0.08g 0.8g 8g 8.8g
    
2. One unit is equivalent to the amount of alcohol in how much standard strength beer?
   
   33cl 1/2pint 1 pint 75cl
    
3. A large (250ml) glass of wine contains:
   
   1 unit 2 units 3 units 4 units
    
4. Up to how many units a day can most men regularly drink without significant health risks?
   
   1-2 units 2-3 units 3-4 units 4-5 units
    
5. Up to how many units a day can most women regularly drink without significant health risks?
   
   1-2 units 2-3 units 3-4 units 4-5 units
    
6. In pregnancy, women who choose to drink are advised to drink no more than one to two units:
   
   Every day Once a week Twice a day Once or twice a week
    
7. If you heavily exceed the guidelines on a particular day, for how long should you abstain to recover?
   
   12 hours 24 hours 36 hours 48 hours
    
8. A small, single pub measure (25ml) of spirits contains:
   
   1 unit 2 units 3 units 4 units

Recreated with permission from The Portman Group

View text version of the Get Home Safely Taxi Card.