related Internet links

ALCOHOL - THE GOOD AND THE BAD NEWS

• The good news is that in moderation there is nothing wrong with drinking alcohol. Over 90% of the UK population drink alcohol at some time, and the majority of these people drink within sensible limits and at appropriate times.
• The bad news is that a proportion of drinkers either over drink or drink at inappropriate times. The misuse of alcohol is associated with a series of physical and social problems. These include liver cirrhosis, heart disease, road traffic accidents, social violence, domestic violence and work absenteeism.

HOW MUCH YOU DO YOU DRINK?

• By far the simplest method of knowing how much alcohol you drink is to count units.
• 1 unit of alcohol = the amount of alcohol that can be broken down by the liver in 1 hour.
• The following drinks all contain 1 unit of alcohol each:
  • half a pint of ordinary strength beer, lager or cider
  • a single measure of spirits
  • a standard glass of Wine
  • a small glass of sherry
  • a measure of vermouth or aperitif
• Extra strong beer or lager can contain up to 2.5 units per half pint.
• Cans of beer/lager make it more complicated because they are not sold in half pints or pints. Most cans contain around three quarters of a pint which means that a can of ordinary strength beer or lager would contain 1.5 units
• If you are working out your weekly alcohol consumption be careful not to miss things out. Include drinks that you have with meals.

WHAT IS SENSIBLE DRINKING?

• Most people in the UK drink alcohol. There is nothing wrong with moderate drinking, as long as it is kept within sensible levels.
• Sensible alcohol limits have been devised to provide guidance on how to enjoy alcohol without it harming your health.
• Until recently the recommended safe drinking limits were 21 units a week for men and 14 units a week for women. Recent advice has increased these limits to 28 units a week for men and 21 units a week for women. Remember, these are limits, not recommended levels.
• There is some evidence that drinking one or two units of alcohol a day gives a significant health benefit in reducing heart disease for men over 40 and post-menopausal women.
• Women who are pregnant should not drink more than one or two units once or twice a week.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU DRINK AND DRIVE?

• The legal limit for driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. There is no sure way of telling how much you can drink before you reach this limit.
• Although there is a legal limit it is important to recognise that any drinking will affect your driving. The only way to be sure you're safe is not to drink at all.

FURTHER INFORMATION/HELP

• That's the Limit (leaflet) - Produced by the Health Education Authority. Available from local Health Promotion Departments.
  
• Alcohol Concern -
  Waterbridge House
  32-6 Loman Street
  London
  SE1 0EE
  Tel. 0171-928 7377
  
• Alcoholics Anonymous -
  Head Office
  P O Box 1
  Stonebow House
  York
  YO1 2NJ
  Tel. 01904 - 644026

related Internet links

Addiction Recovery Foundation

Publishes information in the UK on addiction recovery. Articles include therapeutic techniques, lists of self-help groups and treatment centres, details of seminars and workshops for professionals and people in recovery, research, news, complementary medicines, relevant legislation... and more.

Alcohol Concern

National agency on alcohol misuse in England and Wales. Works both to reduce the costs of alcohol misuse and to develop the range and quality of helping services available to problem drinkers and their families.

Alcoholics Anonymous in Cornwall

A directory of meetings as well as an outline of what AA does with links to AA General Service
Office,UK, the various publications such as the BIG BOOK of Alcoholics Anonymous and telephone numbers and helplines.

Alcohol Recovery Project

Provider of specialist Alcohol related services backed up by over 30 years experience. ARP works to reduce the harm caused by problem drinking to both the individual and society.

Alcohol Services

A directory of services available in the UK

APAS (Alcohol Problems Advisory Service)

APAS is an independent provider of all kinds of services designed to reduce the harm alcohol causes to individuals, families and the communities they live in. (Also offers services dealing with drugs and gambling).

Atlas Healthcare

Residential detoxification treatment and rehabilitation for anyone with alcohol problems. Families supported separately.

Brixton Drugs Project (the)

Drug Information but also offers counselling and advocacy for individuals in their local area.

Cascade

A drug information service for young people run by young people. Cascade is for all young people aged from early teens until age 25. The Cascade programme is based in Solihull, near Birmingham.

Check It (drugs information)

Web site for young people by the London Metropolitan Police Service. Includes drug facts, where to go if you need help, test your knowledge, famous people`s comments etc.

Crew 2000

A group of young people… committed to giving accurate credible information to young people about drugs and related issues. We believe that young people should have access to 'real' information about drugs so that they are fully aware and informed, know the risks and know how to reduce the risks.

Detox in England

Detox 5 provides a way to get clean and stay clean. They have three sites and usually admit within 10 days of referal.

Durham/Darlington Drug Action Team

Information for people relating to drugs ranging from those who have never used drugs right through to those who are heavily involved.

GamCare (gambling)

Concerned about the damage that can be done to some people's lives through gambling. Includes a helpline for anyone affected by a gambling problem.

Institute of Alcohol Studies

The aim of the Institute of Alcohol Studies is to increase knowledge of alcohol and the social and health consequences of its misuse.

Life For The World Trust

Residential rehabilitation based on a Christian philosophy for men aged 20-40 with drug/alcohol dependency.

Molly`s Alcoholics Anonymous UK site

Molly, a grateful Alcoholic with 11 years sobriety thanks to the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous.

N E Choices

More and more young people your age are asking for clear and honest information about drugs. n e choices provides you with the chance to get the facts.

Oxfordshire Council on Alcohol and Drug Use

Libra project.

PROMIS Recovery Centre

Employs the Twelve Step programme of treatment for addictive or compulsive disorders, based upon the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and the other Anonymous Fellowships.

Re-solv

Society for the prevention of solvent and volatile substance abuse.

Release

Works and supports people who have problems with drug or substance misuse. Specialises in drug law.

Standing conference on drug abuse (SCODA)

Seeks to reduce the harmful effects of drug use through informed debate, and through the promotion of best practice and effective, comprehensive services. It is an independent membership organisation, providing a voice for drug services and others concerned about the effects of drug use on individuals and communities.

Think About Drink

Trashed

Drug information from the Health Education Authority.

Turning Point

A large national charity helping people with drink, drug and mental health problems. 60 centres throughout England and Wales.

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