Alcohol is a powerful depressant drug. If consumed in moderation alcohol can be compatible with a healthy life style. Alcohol is a legal and socially accepted drug but problems can and do arise from its use. The media tends to focus on illicit drugs but alcohol is responsible for three times as many deaths as all the illicit drugs.
If you think you or some one you know is drinking too much alcohol it is advisable to talk to some one. If you live out with GEAAP’s area of the East of Glasgow, Alcohol Focus Scotland will give you contact details for your nearest alcohol service. They can be contacted on 0141 572 6700. It is advisable to follow some simple tips about our alcohol use.
Safer Drinking
In order to know how much we are drinking we use the units system.
As a general rule one unit equals one pub measure of spirits or a half a pint of beer.
It is recommended that women have no more than 2 – 3 units of alcohol per day
And that men have no more than 3 – 4 units per day. We should all strive to have at least 2 alcohol free days per week.
Calculating units
In order to know how many units are in your drinks you can use the formula below to calculate their strengths.
Multiply the volume of the drink by the %ABV (alcohol by volume) and then divide the result by 1000. For example, a bottle of wine at 12% ABV would be
750ml x 12% ABV = 9000
9000 ÷ 1000 = 9 units