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You don't have to be drunk to be doing real damage |
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That is the message from the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland. Those who pack their drinking into a few sessions usually on a Friday or Saturday night are not aware of the damage this is doing to their health.
How much is too much? Men should not drink more than 4 units in any one day, and women not more than 3 units. Over the course of a week, men should not drink more than 21 units and women not more than 14 units. The health risks increase for each unit you drink over the daily limits, but binge drinking carries particular risks.
What is binge drinking? Binge drinking is defined as drinking at least 10 units of alcohol in one session for men and at least 7 units for women. Research has shown that drinking this much in one session can damage your health even if you still drink less than 21 or 14 units in total during the week.
What harm can binge drinking cause? As well as the recognised immediate effects associated with drinking too moch, like nausea/vomiting or a hangover, there are other more serious consequences of binge drinking. These include in the short term an increased risk of:
becoming a victim of crime
accidents
anxiety
heart attack
alcohol poisoningunplanned pregnancy
Over time, binge drinking can cause:
brain damage
damage to the liver, heart, stomach and pancreas
cancer
higher blood pressure
depression
family problems
problems at work
alcoholism
weight gain
reduced resistance to infection
lowered libido
How many units are there in alcoholic drinks? The following is a general guide only:
pint of lager/cider/stout = 2 units
pub measure of spirits = 1.5 units
alcopop/bottle of lager = 1.5 units
bottle of wine = 9 units
can of extra strong lager = 4.5 units
small pub bottle of wine = 2.25 units
To find out more visit www.knowyourlimits.info
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Dr E Coulter |
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