Alcohol is something to be enjoyed, however drinking too much or at the wrong time can be harmful. It is important to know where the benefits end and the risks begin.

Sensible drinking is drinking in a way that is unlikely to cause harm to yourself or others. The Government advises that:

MEN Should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units a day	WOMEN Should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day
Drinking heavily regularly on just 1 or 2 days a week can also be harmful to your healthy in the long term
PREGNANT WOMEN If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, it is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol. But if you do drink, it should be nor more than 1-2 units once or twice a week.

Tips on how to drink sensibly

Stick to the recommended guidelines.
Try to have days when you do not drink alcohol.
Alternate your alcoholic drinks with ones containing no alcohol.
Try not to drink on an empty stomach.
Avoid buying in rounds, and drink slowly.
Keep a daily drinks diary to monitor your consumption.
Dilute your drinks – mix wine with soda, beer with lemonade. If you drink spirits, add lots of tonic, soda water or juice.
Avoid spirits and extra strong lager or cider.
Don't drink at home before going out
Use smaller glasses

A unit of alcohol is 10ml of pure alcohol. Counting units of alcohol can help to keep track of the amount drunk. The list below shows the number of units of alcohol in common drinks:

Graphic: Number of units of alcohol in common drinks