General

The Effects Alcohol Can Have On Your Body

If you regularly drink more than 14 units a week you are a risk of damaging your health.pint-of-beer-1543005

The type of illnesses you can develop after 10-20 years of consuming more than 14 units a week regularly include:

  • stroke
  • heart disease
  • cancers of the month, throat and breast
  • liver disease
  • brain damage

If you do drink mosts week and want to reduce the risk of harming your health then you should spread your drinking over three days or more and not consume more than 14 units a week.

Drinking heavily over a long period can affect your mental health and can increase the risk of feeling suicidal and depressed.

If you drink too much too quickly on a single occasion (also known as ‘single session’ drinking)  you are at a greater risk of accidents and injuries, such as:

  • fractures
  • alcohol poisoning
  • heart disease
  • head injuries

To avoid these risks you should:

  • drink more slowly
  • alternate with water or non-alcoholic drinks
  • drink with food
  • limit how much you drink
  • make sure you are with people you know
  • avoid risky/dangerous places and activities

People tend to ‘single session’ drink at parties and sporting events.

Alcohol can make you act differently and you might make decisions you normally wouldn’t make, such as having unprotected sex.

Remember – the less you drink, the lower the health risks.

For more information, go to:  http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/Effectsofalcohol.aspx
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/
http://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/directory/a/alcohol-health-risks