Alcohol facts

Alcohol is seen as part of society today and indeed has been for many hundreds of years. We know many young adults are drinking far too much and it is damaging their health significantly.

For some people alcohol causes no problems when drunk in moderation. For others alcohol can become a drug that they need every day.

Yes, alcohol is a drug and can be addictive. There are no guidelines for young people, which mean it is unsafe for young people to drink alcohol regularly or in large amounts. Your body is still developing and growing and alcohol can have major effects on your body. Alcohol can affect your: Brain Liver Kidneys Stomach

For men alcohol can affect his ability to get an erection.

The recommended guidelines for adults are as follows:

Females = 2-3 units per day or less

Males = 3-4 units a day or less

A unit = Half a pint of standard beer, or 25ml serving of spirit, or half a 175ml glass of wine.

Here are some of the reasons why some people drink alcohol. It is part of a way:

• To celebrate at parties, weddings
• To commiserate at funerals
• With a meal
• Socially meeting with friends or family
• To relax after a hard day
• Peer pressure
• To look grown up
• To get drunk

How do you know if alcohol is a problem for you?

• You can't face socialising unless you have a drink.
• You are drinking more than usual over a shorter period of time.
• You are drinking to stop thinking about bad or unhappy things
• You are drinking regularly because you are depressed or fed up and think it may help you to feel better.
• You are often drinking on your own.
• You drink more than your friends all the time.
• You feel you need a drink in the mornings to face the day ahead.

Alcohol is known to lower your inhibitions, which means you may do things that you wouldn't do if you were sober.

If you are worried or concerned you can call Sorted for free, confidential advice and support on 01895 257285.