Changes to alcohol unit guidelines in the UK
January 2016
You may have heard the news recently that the UK government has made changes to the advice it gives on drinking alcohol.
Whereas before men were advised that they could drink more alcohol than women (21 units for men, 14 units for women), this has now changed. Men and women are now advised that they should each drink a maximum of 14 units of alcohol per week.
In addition, the guidelines suggest that these units should be spread across at least 3 or more days per week and that you should include regular alcohol-free days
Binge drinking is also not advised; it has been associated with a greater risk of short term health problems, like the dreaded hangover, as well as the longer term risks of causing certain cancers.
For pregnant women the advice is not to drink alcohol at all.
Some tips on keeping on top of your alcohol:
• When drinking, try to do so with a meal
• Have a glass of water or a soft drink in between alcoholic drinks
• Try some alcohol-free alternatives
Further reading
The drinkaware fact sheet about the new alcohol unit guidelines:
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/what-is-alcohol/new-government-alcohol-unit-guidelines#guidelines
The drink aware App can help you to keep track of your drinking: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/app
How to calculate a unit of alcohol
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/alcohol-units.aspx
Government link to new alcohol guidelines:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-alcohol-guidelines-show-increased-risk-of-cancer
BBC news article on the new alcohol guidelines:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35252650
NHS guidance on new alcohol guidelines and how to manage your drinking:
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2016/01January/Pages/New-alcohol-advice-issued.aspx
UK Chief Medical Officer, Summary of proposed guidelines:
Dr Philip Crilly 