Drink less, feel better
The temptation to drink alcohol – or more than usual – can be greater in December, with workplace parties and other social occasions a regular feature for many in the festive season.
However, excessive drinking can lead to serious health problems - both mental and physical – including cancer, high blood pressure, liver disease, brain damage and a range of mental health issues.
For both men and women, guidance from the NHS advises to drink no more than 14 units a week - around six medium glasses of wine or six pints of beer. If you regularly drink as much as 14 units per week, it is best to spread this out evenly over three or more days.
With so many different drinks and glass sizes, from shots to pints to bottles, it is easy to get confused about how many units are in any one drink. Please watch the NHS video (above) which provides a guide to alcohol units and explains drinking-risk levels.
If you are dependent on alcohol, stopping suddenly or reducing your alcohol use too quickly can lead to severe health complications, including seizures (also known as fits). Consult your GP or local alcohol treatment service before attempting to stop drinking.
For information and advice on how to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink, please go to Your Health Barnet, while you can also find out more about what help is available through NHS alcohol support.