As New Year's Eve celebrations approach, the National Health Service has issued a timely reminder for Britons to monitor their alcohol consumption closely. The health body emphasises that tracking units is crucial for staying within safer limits and reducing the long-term risk of harm.
What Are the NHS Guidelines for Safer Drinking?
The NHS has stated clearly that there is no completely safe level of alcohol consumption. However, the risk of harm is considered lower if individuals drink 14 units of alcohol or less per week. This guidance comes as many households prepare for festivities that traditionally involve increased drinking.
The health service advises that keeping a check on your unit intake is the most effective way to ensure you remain within this lower-risk threshold. The message, shared on the platform X, was direct: "Know your units, know your limits."
How Are Alcohol Units Calculated?
All alcoholic drinks are measured in units, which represent 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol. It typically takes an average adult around one hour to process a single unit. The number of units can vary dramatically between different drinks and serving sizes.
To help the public visualise this, the NHS provides common examples:
- A standard 250ml glass of wine contains approximately three units.
- A pint of lower-strength (3.6%) lager equates to about two units.
- A single 25ml shot of spirit is typically one unit.
- A 275ml bottle of alcopop can contain around 1.3 units.
What Are the Long-Term Dangers of Excessive Drinking?
Regularly consuming more than the recommended 14 units weekly over a period of 10 to 20 years can lead to a wide array of serious health conditions. The NHS highlights that the risks extend far beyond a hangover.
Illnesses linked to long-term excessive drinking include:
- Cancers of the mouth, throat, and breast.
- Liver disease and stroke.
- Heart disease and brain damage.
- Damage to the nervous system.
- Worsening of mental health issues.
The NHS also warns of significant immediate dangers from drinking too much on a single occasion, including accidents, injuries, and even death. For more detailed guidance on alcohol units and lower-risk drinking, the public is directed to the official NHS website.
