Alcohol

Alcohol

Having a drink is sociable, enjoyable and, in many societies, part of the culture. Alcohol is also relaxing and eases inhibitions. A moderate amount may actually help to protect the heart and circulation.

However, one in four men drinks too much and too often. If you regularly go over the top with your drinking then you'll end up damaging your body.

Drinking too much alcohol is also often responsible for accidents, poor work performance, relationship problems and crime. Whatever else you do with alcohol, never drink and drive.

Too much alcohol can cause...

• high blood pressure, which contributes to strokes and heart attacks
• indigestion and stomach ulcers
• weight loss and malnutrition
• depression
• nerve damage
• permanent memory loss

• Take care - a can of extra strong beer or lager is equal to two pints of ordinary strength beer or lager, which amounts to four units of alcohol. A generous glass of wine could equal two units, since the average wine glass is now often 175ml rather than the traditional 125ml. A home measure of spirit is usually more generous than a pub measure.

  To calculate the number of units, you need to know the amount of liquid in millilitres (one pint is 568ml) and the strength of the drink. This is known as the percentage alcohol-by-volume (ABV), also referred to as 'proof'.

  To work out the number of units in a drink, multiply the amount of liquid in millilitres by the percentage ABV, and then divide by 1,000.