Alcohol
Did you know?
* 1 in 4 adults (around 40,350 people) in North Tyneside binge drinks
* Binge drinking is having more than six units for women and eight units for men
in a single drinking session. That’s the same as three pints of premium lager
for men or four standard glasses of white wine for women.
Drinking sensibly
Drinking small amounts of alcohol is a pleasant social activity for many people. However, as the amount you drink and the number of times you drink increases, so do the risks. The risks associated with excessive alcohol drinking include raised blood pressure, stomach disorders, depression and emotional disorders, malnutrition and liver disorders.
Regularly drinking too much means that you are more likely to die early from liver disease or be admitted to hospital for health problems linked to drinking alcohol.
Sensible drinking guidelines
- Women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day and a maximum of 14 units a week
- Men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units a day and a maximum of 21 units a week
- Drink alcohol on no more than five days a week
- Have a day off between drinking days and don’t drink for 48 hours after a binge
- Pregnant women, women trying to conceive and people with certain medical conditions should not drink alcohol at all
If you regularly drink more than 15-34 units for women and 22-49 units for men per week you should see your GP for advice
Unit counter
Each of the drinks listed in the diagram opposite counts as 1 unit. Women should have no more than 2-3 units a day, and men no more than 3-4 units.
Help available
If you are misusing alcohol, or if you are concerned about a friend or relative, contact your GP who will help you to access the right health services. The following local and national services can also be accessed.
National services
Drinkline - Tel: 0800 917 8282
Website: www.knowyourlimits.gov.uk
Alcoholics Anonymous - Tel: 0843 769 7555
Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Alcohol Concern - Tel: 020 7395 4000
Website: www.alcoholconcern.org.uk
Local services
Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust’s integrated drug and alcohol service
Plummer Court
Carliol Place
Newcastle upon Tyne
North Tyneside PROPS. (Support for families affected by substance misuse)
The Linskill Centre
Linskill Terrace
North Shields
Tyne and Wear
NE30 2AY
Tel: 0191 270 4248
Email: admin@northtynesideprops.org.uk
Website: www.newcastleprops.org.uk
N2L (Never 2 Late - support for young people affected by alcohol abuse)
The Youth Village
Hudson Street
North Shields
Tel: 0191 643 8802
