Factsheets:

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 drinking alcohol at a young age can lead to in later life.

 

Alcohol poisoning

What is alcohol poisoning? Drinkaware provides information on the causes and symptoms of alcohol poisoning, along with advice on what to do if it occurs

 

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 and your health

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

 

Alcohol, mental health and wellbeing

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

 

Alcohol and your liver

How much alcohol do you have to drink to harm your liver?

 
 
Track your drinking with our drink diary
Factsheets for under 18s
Ask an expert

The effects of drinking in hot climates

I’m going on holiday to Spain and I tend to drink more alcohol when away, could this damage my health?

Our expert says:

Drinking excessively in warmer climates is particularly dangerous due to the dehydrating effects of alcohol.

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it forces your kidneys to excrete water. It can force them to excrete more water than you have taken in, leading to dehydration. The inevitable by-product of sitting in the sun is sweating, which in some cases, can potentially be dangerous as this extra loss of water can, in extreme cases, lead to a heart attack or even organ failure.

It is possible to drink in the sun safely though, as long as you ensure that you drink within the responsible drinking guidelines (2-3 units for women, 3-4 units for men) and alternate alcoholic beverages with plenty of water to keep hydrated.

For more information on the effects of alcohol on the body please see our factsheets.

read on »