Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can be enjoyable, but the more you drink, the bigger the risk of damaging your health.
It can sometimes be hard to keep track of how much you drink and how many units you're consuming, especially with so many different drinks available in a variety of sizes. Alcohol is measured in units, with one unit equalling 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol, which is the approximate amount of alcohol an average adult can process in an hour.
It's recommended that men and women drink no more than 14 units a week, which are spread across the week and not 'saved up', with at least two drink free days.
Did you know...If you cut down on the amount you drink, it can not only help improve your general wellbeing, but also help you:
- Sleep better
- Have more energy
- Lose weight
- Avoid hangovers
- Improve your physical fitness, memory, mood and relationships
- Save money
Local support
Herefordshire Recovery Service, run by Turning Point and Healthwatch Herefordshire, provide a free and confidential support service for adults and young people in the county. You can self-refer into the service by completing the online referral form, calling 0300 555 0747 or e-mailing Herefordshire@turning-point.co.uk. They also offer a range of online self-help tools.
You can also download the Making Every Contact Count (MECC) drinking alcohol sensibly leaflet...
National support
Alcoholics Anonymous offer a free national helpline and hold a number of different meetings at locations across Herefordshire.
Drinkaware is an independent charity which helps people make better choices about drinking. They offer information and advice, along with online drink calculators and trackers, a units app and a self assessment.
Drinkline offer a free, confidential helpline for anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else's drinking. They're available on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm and weekends 11am to 4pm).
The NHS offer a range of information and advice, including where to find support, tips for cutting down and the risks of drinking too much or binge and social drinking.
Better Health NHS has some great advice for cutting down, such as distraction techniques and setting a booze budget, along with a drink free days app.
We Are With You provide confidential information, advice and support for people with alcohol and / or drug issues, family and friends. They also offer an online chat service, seven days a week.