The festive season can be a hectic round of parties and social events. Being aware of the number of units in your drinks can help you keep track and control your intake of alcohol. With so many different drinks and glass sizes, from shots to pints – not to mention bottles – it can be confusing to work out how many units you are consuming.
What is one unit of alcohol?
One unit equals 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol, which is around the amount of alcohol the average adult can process in an hour. One single measure of a 40% spirit such as whisky equates to one unit of alcohol. The number of units in a drink is based on the size of the drink, as well as its alcohol strength.
The NHS guidelines for alcohol unit intake
Men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.
The NHS also advise to spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week.
If you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each week.
New evidence has emerged in recent years about the link between drinking and some illnesses after 10 to 20 years of regularly drinking more than 14 units per week. This includes a link to a range of cancers, stroke, heart disease, liver disease, brain damage and mental health issues.
14 units is equivalent to 6 pints of average-strength beer or 10 small (125ml) glasses of lower-strength wine.
How many units are you drinking?
During the festive season which is busy with parties and celebrations, it’s even more important to understand the units and choose drinks wisely to help you monitor your alcohol intake. When ordering your tipple of choice, watch the measures! A large 250ml glass of wine (13% ABV) is 3.3 units but a single pub measure (25ml) of spirits such as gin or whisky is 1 unit. Three large wine glasses add up to a bottle – not far off the weekly recommended limit of 14.
Check out the number of alcohol units in these popular drinks
How to cut down on your alcohol units over the festive period
Knowing the number of units you are consuming means you can make an informed choice.
Zebra striping – alternate between alcoholic drinks and low or no alcohol options.
Choose to have alcohol free days.
Plan some Christmas activities that don't involve alcohol.
Avoid rounds so that you can drink at your own pace.
Try out some alcohol free alternatives or mocktails.
Plan ahead when you're having festive drinks - whether that be planning how many drinks you will have in advance, planning to opt for a lower alcohol tipple or planning to zebra stripe.
Are you worried about your drinking?
If so, you’re not alone. At CADAS we support anyone who feels their addiction or dependency is problematic. We don’t require people to give up alcohol altogether if that’s not what they want to do, but we do focus on the reduction of harm to themselves and others. We also support ‘affected others’ – people affected by or worried about someone else’s addictive behaviours.
If you need help, please check out our website www.cadas.co.uk or call our helpline 0800 2 54 56 58 to have a chat about the support we can offer.
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