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Sensible Drinking

What does drinking alcohol do to my health?

Sensible, moderate drinking shouldn't cause any health problems but heavy drinking, especially on a regular basis, can seriously affect your health. Some of the effects of drinking too much include: potentially fatal alcohol poisoning, alcohol dependance, cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer, poor sexual performance and impotence, brain damage, memory loss and an increased risk of heart disease and certain types of stroke. 

How much alcohol can I drink safely?

Men should not drink more than three to four units of alcohol per day, and women should drink no more than two to three units of alcohol per day.

• 1 pint of ordinary lager, bitter or cider = 2 units
• 1 small glass of wine = 1.5 units
• 1 measure of spirits  = 1 unit
• 1 alcopop = 1.5 units

Use the NHS Alcohol Units Calculator to see you if you are going over the safe number of units and get tips on how to cut down.

I am worried about my own/somebody else's drinking, where can I get help and advice?

Visit the Oxfordshire County Council health pages for information on referrals to addiction treatment services.

Visit the Oxfordshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team website for more information on alcohol related topics.

Alternatively, you can use the contact details below for professional help and advice on alcohol issues:

What is Oxford City Council doing to tackle the binge drinking culture?

The Oxford Nightsafe scheme began in 2004 and was set up to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour in Oxford. Visit the Nightsafe website for information on responsible drinking and how to stay safe in Oxford at night. The Nightsafe Initiatives page shows you exactly what we have done to help tackle alcohol related problems in Oxford.

Where can I find more information on alcohol related issues?

Visit the Sensible Drinking pages on the DirectGov website for information on drink driving, drinking in public, drinking when pregnant and treatment for a drinkng problem.

Visit the Drink Aware website for more general information on alcohol related issues.

Visit our Health Links page for useful links to other websites relating to health and medical advice in Oxford.

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Page last reviewed 24 Oct 2008

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