Most of us enjoy a drink and in normal circumstances having a drink now and then doesn't harm your body. Men can safely drink 3-4 units and women 2-3 units a day but it’s important to have at least one or two days a week free from alcohol. Know your limits and remember: if you’re pregnant or intending to drive a vehicle you shouldn’t drink at all.
Drinking more than the recommended daily amount (or ‘bingeing’) can be risky. And whilst drunk you are more likely to come to harm through violence, accidents or unprotected sex. Heavy drinking can also lead to social and psychological problems.
Responsible or sensible drinking is a normal part of adult life. If you choose to drink, follow the low-risk drinking behaviour route:
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Consider whether you will drink, how much, and what, before going out
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Eat a full meal before drinking
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Keep your drink in sight at all times
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Avoid mixing drinks, drinking doubles or playing drinking games
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Try to avoid becoming drunk or losing control
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Pace your drinking - no more than one per hour
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Switch to lower strength alcoholic drinks
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Stick to the recommended daily limits (3 units for women, 4 for men)
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Alternate with non-alcoholic drinks throughout the evening
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Do not drive after drinking
If you’re having difficulty reducing or controlling your alcohol consumption, it may be worth reviewing your entire social routine, consider:
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Cutting back on social activities that involve drinking and try social activities that don't involve drinking at all
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Reducing the number of times per week that you go out to drink
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Going out to the pub or club later in the evening
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Trying to resist pressure to drink more than you really want to