During the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the lack of open pubs and bars in Glasgow has meant that the risks related to home drinking have increased for all of us.
The loss or routine is also making it feel like a never-ending weekend for some, coupled with the stress the current situation is causing us and the fact that alcohol is cheaper when purchased in a shop or supermarket.
With that in mind, it's worth bearing in mind the UK Government's advice concerning alcohol consumption.
The UK Government's Chief Medical Officers’ advice for adults aged 18 and over is:
- To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level it is safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.
- One alcohol unit is measured as 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol. This equals one 25ml single measure of whisky (ABV 40%), or a third of a pint of beer (ABV 5-6%) or half a standard (175ml) glass of red wine (ABV 12%).
- i.e. 14 units is the equivalent of 6 pints of beer (4% ABV), 6 medium size glasses of wine (13.4% ABV) or 7 double measures of spirits (40%).
- If you regularly drink as much as 14 units per week, it is best to spread your drinking evenly over 3 or more days.
- If you have one or two heavy drinking episodes a week, you increase your risk of death from long term illness and from accidents and injuries.
- The risk of developing a range of health problems (including cancers of the mouth, throat and breast) increases the more you drink on a regular basis.
- If you wish to cut down the amount you drink, a good way to help achieve this is to have several drink free days each week.
If you want to find out more information or are looking for advice or support, visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/alcohol
