Alcohol and Drugs
- Thirsty work.. fancy a tipple?
- So what is classed as sensible?
- Why has the Government introduced guidelines?
- Want to cut down?
- Want to get help?
- Want more information?
Thirsty Work - fancy a tipple?
90% of the adult population drink and enjoy a pint of lager after work or a glass of wine with their meal, but how do you make sure alcohol doesn’t affect your health or your waistline!
The Government have introduced sensible drinking guidelines to assist; these are based on units of alcohol.
So what is classed as sensible?
The guidelines recommend no more than 3-4 units a day for men and 2-3 units a day for women, if you are pregnant 1-2 units a week, but to make sure you and your baby are safe it is better to not drink at all. This doesn’t give a licence to save your units up for the weekend though! This is classed as binge drinking and has been found to do as much damage to your health as excessive drinking.
So you know what is classed as sensible, but how do you know how many units are in that drink you’re enjoying, it’s not as simple as one drink equals one unit. Units are based on alcohol percentage and volume.
Are you watching your weight? How many calories are there in your favourite tipple? Here’s some examples of unit and calorie content, but remember to add the calorie content of the mixer e.g. lemonade, cola or tonic water!
| Drink type | Measure/Size | Units | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard beer (alc 3.5% vol) |
1 Pint (568ml) | 2 | 180 |
|
Premium beer/lager (alc 5% vol) |
1 Pint (568ml) |
2.8 |
170-200 |
| 1 bottle (330ml) | 1.7 | 95-115 | |
|
Super strength lager (alc 9% vol) |
1 can (440ml) | 4 | 320 |
|
Regular cider (alc 5% vol) |
1 Pint (568ml) | 2.8 | 200-240 |
|
Strong cider (alc 9%) |
1 Pint (568ml) | 5 | 570 |
|
Wine/Champagne (alc 12% vol) |
Small glass (125ml) |
1.5 |
80-120 |
| Medium glass (175ml) | 2.1 | 115-165 | |
| Large glass (250ml) | 3 | 165-235 | |
|
Gin/Vodka/Rum (alc 37.5% vol) |
Small single (25ml) |
0.9 |
50 |
| Large single (35ml) | 1.3 | 70 | |
|
Whisky/Tequila (alc 40% vol) |
Small single (25ml) |
1 |
55 |
| Large single (35ml) | 1.4 | 80 | |
| Alcopop (alc 5% vol) | Regular bottle (275ml) | 1.5 | 150-230 |
Table reproduced 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.
Why has the Government introduced guidelines?
There's no getting away from it - heavy drinking, especially on a regular basis, can lead to serious health problems including: high blood pressure which can lead to stroke, stomach ulcers, liver problems, depression and certain types of cancer to name just a few.
Want to cut down?
These tips will help you:
- Replace your "usual" drink with one containing less alcohol,
- Skip the "quick drink" at lunchtime or after work,
- Have at least two alcohol-free days a week,
- Buy beers and wines with lower alcohol content, and keep a supply of non- alcoholic drinks at home,
- 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,
- Remember the alcohol measures you pour at home are often larger than normal pub measures
- Do something other than going to the pub - take up a new hobby
Want to get help?
- See our substance abuse page
Want more information?
Visit www.drinkaware.co.uk 
where you'll find all kinds of useful information about alcohol and drinking, from fascinating facts to practical tips, to suit all kinds of people and occasions. Find the answers to your questions and become more drink aware!