Alcohol The Facts and Math The recommended weekly limit for a healthy adult drinking alcohol is 14 units. This is equivalent to - Approximately 5 pints of stronger beer. (1100 calories) - 10 small glasses of low-strength wine. (~1000 calories) - 4-5 large glasses of red wine, rose wine, and white wine. (~1100 calories) - 0.35 of a 1 litre bottle of Vodka. - Smirnoff Vodka, 1 bottle = 40 units and 2208 calories. One bottle is nearly 3 times more than the weekly limit. - Red/rose/white wine. 1 750ml bottle = 10 units and 678 calories. - Champagne/Sparkling wine. 1 750ml bottle = 10 units and 678 calories. all are approximations/averages and depend on the drink What to expect if you drink over the recommended weekly limit for an extended period of time Throat Cancer Strokes Mouth Cancer Heart Disease Breast Cancer Liver Disease Brain damage Damage to the nervous system Damage to physical fitness Mental health damage Violent or aggressive outbursts Misjudging situations Losing self-control Alcohol dependency Pancreatitis Increased chances of dementia Memory deficits Major factor in Alzheimer’s. Especially for women. Cardiomyopathy Steotosis Weight increase Body composition The shrinkage of frontal lobes in your brain Weakened immune system therefore leaving the body more susceptible to lung disease and other diseases/viruses High blood pressure Erectile dysfunction Money Usage Approximately 2-4 bottles of wine, 1-2 bottles of spirits and extras are bought per week. Average cost of wine - £6. Average cost of bottle of spirits - £20 | | | 4x6 = 24. 2x20 = 40. 24+40 = 64. Approx £55-70 per week. Approx 52 weeks in a year. 52x70 = 3640. Approx £3000-3600 per year spent on alcohol alone. 1 CONTINUED ON OTHER SIDE Fun Facts (Alcohol Edition) ● Alcohol is a diuretic. Therefore it makes you dehydrated- the dry mouth, fatigue or weakness you sometimes experience after drinking is all a result of the alcohol. ● Drinking too much alcohol causes the blood vessels in the brain to expand which can cause headaches or in some cases, more serious issues. ● Alcohol is a depressant. ● Food takes time to be absorbed by the body. This is not the case with alcohol! Within 90 seconds of your first sip the lining of your mouth, stomach and throat absorb some/most of the alcohol directly into your bloodstream. ● Alcohol is one of the few substances that can actually cross the blood-brain barrier, designed to keep harmful substances out of your brain. This also means it passes through the membranes of your heart and other organs. ● Most alcohol in alcoholic drinks is ethanol, or ethyl alcohol. It explodes when lit. ● Alcohol forces the brain to release dopamine - a feeling associated with satisfaction or pleasure. What you feel because of drinking is not real. ● Being able to drink without feeling the effects doesn’t mean you are immune, it is a sign you are developing alcohol tolerance - a major risk and contributing factor for alcohol use disorder. ● Alcohol generally affects women more than men. ● Alcohol is actually classed as a drug and is therefore the most misused drug in the USA. ● A study found most family breakdowns are partly or mostly influenced by alcohol. Alcohol Use Disorder ● Unsuccessful attempts to limit alcohol consumption ● Spending more time to drink ● Strong urge to drink alcohol ● Inefficient at work and school ● Memory loss ● Unable to discontinue alcohol use despite of physical, social or interpersonal problems ● Giving up social life, activities and hobbies Useful links: NHS : https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/the-risks-of-drinking-too-much/ Great tools on awareness and prevention : https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcoholfacts/interactive-tools Tips : https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/tips-on-cutting-down-alcohol/ Support : https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/ 2
