Alcohol

Alcohol is something to be enjoyed and, most of the time, drinking doesn't cause any problems. But drinking too much or at the wrong time can be harmful.

The important thing is to know where the benefits end and the risks begin. The daily benchmarks for adult men and women are a guide to how much you can drink without putting your health at risk. They apply whether you drink every day, once or twice a week, or occasionally.

The benchmarks don’t apply to young people who haven’t reached physical maturity.

For men over 40, there can be positive health benefits from drinking moderate amounts of alcohol.

Drink for drink, alcohol has a greater effect on a woman than a man. Women are generally smaller and lighter, their bodies contain less water and their metabolism is different. For women who have been through the menopause, there can be positive health benefits from drinking moderate amounts of alcohol.

Men – If you regularly drink 4 or more units a day there is an increasing risk to health. If you drink between 3 and 4 units a day or less…. there are no significant risks to your health.

Women – If you regularly drink 3 or more units a day there is an increasing risk to health. If you drink between 2 and 3 units a day or less… there are no significant risks to your health.