Factsheets:

Alcohol and your health

From nausea to STIs, an overview of the effects of drinking.

 

Alcohol and accidents

Alcohol is one of the leading causes of accidents, from domestic to traffic related. Get the facts.

 

Alcohol and reproduction

Facts, figures and advice on alcohol's effects on the male and female reproductive system.

 

Alcohol and pancreatitis

The symptoms, how alcohol causes the condition and the other health problems it can lead to.

 

Alcohol and men

Facts and figures, and a breakdown of the male health problems associated with heavy drinking.

 

Alcohol and young people

To what extent are teenagers drinking? A look at the associated risks and what underage drinking can lead to in later life.

 

Spotting the signs of alcohol poisoning

What is alcohol poisoning? Information on the causes, symptoms, treatment of alcohol poisoning, with tips and advice on getting help.

 

Alcohol and women

The daily recommended guidelines, the specific health risks and a look at issues such as safety.

 

Alcohol and diabetes

How drinking alcohol can contribute to the conditions that cause diabetes.

 

Alcohol and cancer

A look at the common forms of cancer and whether drinking alcohol can increase the likelihood of contracting them.

 

Alcohol dependence

The common signs of alcohol addiction, the physical and psychological effects and where to go for help.

 

Alcohol and pregnancy

What are the risks if you drink while pregnant?

 

Alcohol and heart disease

The effects of alcohol on the heart, looking at the risks and also the potential benefits claimed by some researchers.

 

Alcohol, mental health and wellbeing

Alcohol can affect your brain function, your memory and make you depressed.

 

Alcohol and your liver

What is the relationship between drinking alcohol and developing liver disease?

 

 

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 × 25ml shots of whiskey
  • 1.3 × 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 × 25ml shots of whiskey
  • 1.7 × 175ml glasses of white wine
  • 1.7 pints of 4% lager
Track how much alcohol you're drinking with our drink diary
Factsheets for under 18s