Understanding Units
| Drink | Units | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pint of 4% beer | 2.3 units | Most people underestimate |
| 175ml glass of 13% wine | 2.3 units | A 'glass' is often 250ml — 3.25 units |
| 25ml measure of spirits (40%) | 1 unit | Pub measures now often 35ml (1.4 units) |
| Small bottle of 5% beer (330ml) | 1.7 units | Popular 'craft' beers often 5–7% |
| 750ml bottle of 12% wine | 9 units | Nearly a week's 'safe' allowance alone |
Health Risks at Different Levels
| Weekly Intake | Risk Level | Main Harms |
|---|---|---|
| <14 units (UK guideline) | Low risk | Minimal increase — some risks still present |
| 14–35 units (medium) | Moderate risk | Liver disease, raised BP, cancer risk rises |
| >35 units (high — 5+ drinks/day) | High risk | Alcoholic liver disease, cancer, brain damage, cardiovascular harm |
| Binge drinking (6+ units in one session) | Acute risk | Falls, injury, violence, acute pancreatitis, aspiration |
14 Units — With SpreadUK guidance recommends spreading 14 units over 3+ days — NOT saving them for a weekend binge. Binge drinking carries acute and chronic risks even within the 14-unit limit. Include 2+ alcohol-free days per week.
Alcohol and Cancer
Alcohol causes at least 7 cancers: mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colorectal, and breast cancer. There is no 'safe' threshold — risk increases linearly from zero. Breast cancer risk increases by ~7% per 10g alcohol per day.
Does alcohol really increase heart disease risk?
Earlier studies suggested a protective effect of moderate alcohol — now largely debunked by Mendelian randomisation studies. Alcohol's net effect on cardiovascular health is negative — any apparent benefit is confounded by healthier lifestyles in moderate drinkers.
How do I know if I have alcohol use disorder?
The AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) is a validated 3-question screen available online. Dependence signs: drinking first thing in morning, withdrawal shakes, inability to stop, prioritising alcohol over other activities.
What help is available to cut down?
NHS Drinkline: 0300 123 1110 (free, 24/7). NHS Alcohol Use Disorder services — free via GP referral. Smart Recovery (self-help groups). If physically dependent, medically supervised withdrawal (Librium/chlordiazepoxide) is essential — stopping abruptly is dangerous.
Can a fatty liver from alcohol be reversed?
Yes — simple alcoholic fatty liver (steatosis) is fully reversible with abstinence. Alcoholic hepatitis can resolve with abstinence, though severe cases (Maddrey ≥32) need hospital management. Cirrhosis is irreversible but progression stops with abstinence.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.