Alcohol - The Facts

Drinkaware is an independent UK alcohol awareness charity that provides consumers with information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lives and lifestyles. Our alcohol education programmes, grants, expert information, and resources help create awareness around alcohol units and alcohol related issues.


Established in 2007, Drinkaware is funded by voluntary donations from the alcohol industry and works alongside the medical community, government and drinks manufacturers and retailers to achieve its goals.


On the Drinkaware website you’ll find a wealth of medically approved content on alcohol. Visit our Facts section to find out more about the effects of alcohol on your health and other key areas of your life. In the Alcohol & you section of the site we have engaging articles on everything from how alcohol can affect your appearance to guides on alcohol units and alcohol-free nights on the town. If it’s tips on cutting down or ways to track your alcohol consumption you’re looking for, head straight to our Tips & tools section. Finally, if you’re a parent or work closely with young people, our Talking to under 18s area is filled with great resources, advice and research.

How can alcohol affect my…

  • Health

    Find out how alcohol can be a contributing factor to more short and long-term health issues than you realise.

    More on alcohol and your health

  • Work and study

    Life should never be all work no play, learn how to get the balance right between alcohol and your work or studies.

    More on alcohol and work & study

  • Social life

    Whether it’s hosting a reduced alcohol dinner party or surviving a night on the town, we’ve got all the tips and advice you could need!

    More on alcohol and your social life

  • Relationships

    Our straight up approach to alcohol, sex and relationships will help you stay happy and healthy in the bedroom and beyond.

    More on alcohol and relationships

  • Family

    From the official guidelines on alcohol and pregnancy to expert advice on alcohol and breastfeeding, get the facts here.

    More on alcohol and family

  • Under 18s

    No matter whether you’re a parent or a professional working with young people, we’ve got a wealth of resources and honest advice around alcohol.

    More on alcohol and under 18s

Resources

Most popular articles

Why let good times go bad?

Understanding unit guidelines

You should not regularly exceed…

The government advises that women should not regularly drink more than the daily unit guidelines of 2–3 units, or…

  • 3 x 25ml shots of whiskey
  • 1.3 x 175ml glasses of white wine
  • 1.3 pints of 4% lager

The government advises that men should not regularly drink more than the daily unit guidelines of 3–4 units, or…

  • 4 x 25ml shots of whiskey
  • 1.7 x 175ml glasses of white wine
  • 1.7 pints of 4% lager