Staying safe while drinking alcohol

As we enter the festive period, albeit one like never before, many of us may be tempted to drink more alcohol than usual.

However, even with hospitality closed or curtailed across the country, and many Christmas night outs moving online, staying safe when drinking alcohol is as important as ever.

How many units of alcohol are too many?

Current medical guidelines for both men and women state that for us to keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, it is safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis. 

Let's break that down, 14 units can be 6 pints of average strength beer or 6 medium glasses of average strength wine...less than you thought? By limiting weekly alcohol consumption we can help reduce long-term health problems including liver disease, pancreatitis; stroke; depression; dementia; and cancers, such as liver, mouth and breast cancer. 

Staying safe while drinking alcohol 

It is crucial that we protect and keep ourselves safe whilst drinking alcohol. Limiting the amount of alcohol we drink is not only better for our health over the longer term but also helps us stay safe from short term danger such as accidents and falls.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe while drinking alcohol.

• Eat Food - Alcohol enters your bloodstream through your stomach and small intestine. If you don’t eat before you start drinking, the alcohol will enter your bloodstream, and cause intoxication, quicker.
• Drink Water – Having a glass of water, or a soft drink, between alcoholic drinks, will help limit the amount of alcohol you are drinking and reduce dehydration.
• Set a limit - Setting yourself a limit of how much alcohol you are going to consume and sticking to it is a good way to help you stay safe when drinking. To help with this, avoid drinking in rounds or playing drinking games and try to finish your drink before you order or start another.

Ways to help you cut down during the festive season

When looking to cut down the amount you are drinking a good way is to have several drink free days throughout the week. Tell family and friends that you are planning to do it and they might join you in doing so too.

Overindulged this festive season? Our online pharmacy has a range of remedies just for you.

From everyone at Rightdose we wish you a very safe and happy Christmas.