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.
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What is an alcohol unit? And how many are in your drink? Follow our easy-to-understand guide.
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We explore the benefits of having alcohol-free days.
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There’s always an excuse for a drink, but there are just as many good reasons for cutting back. Sign up to MyDrinkaware to track your drinking.
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How can alcohol affect my…
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Health
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Work and study
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Social life
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Relationships
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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
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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
Most popular articles
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How alcohol can affect different areas of your life and lifestyle.
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Why cutting back on alcohol can help you achieve all your New Year ambitions.
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Identify what causes a hangover and the best way to prevent one in the future.
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…
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3 x 25ml shots of whiskey
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1.3 x 175ml glasses of white wine
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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…
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4 x 25ml shots of whiskey
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1.7 x 175ml glasses of white wine
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1.7 pints of 4% lager