Drinking more than the recommended daily allowance can increase your risk of developing a drinking related illness and approximately 10 million people in England drink above the recommended guidelines every year. Women who regularly drink more than 35 units per week (or more than 6 units per day) are at higher risk of developing a drinking-related illness (including breast cancer) and for men this is more than 50 units per week (or more than 8 units per day) are at a high risk of developing a drinking-related illness. 

Alcohol affects all parts and systems of the body and can play a role in many medical conditions. Drinking less reduces the longer term risk of serious diseases such as liver disease and stroke and will improve the condition of your skin, have a positive effect on sleep and will give you more energy and money. Drinking less also means you’ll be less likely to develop high blood pressure and put on weight.

Women should not regularly* drink more than 2 to 3 units of alcohol a day. That’s no more than a standard 175ml glass of wine (ABV 13%). Men should not regularly* drink more than 3 to 4 units of alcohol a day. That’s not much more than a pint of strong lager, beer or cider (ABV 5.2%).

For advice and support visit the Your Health Torbay Opens in a new window website or for specialist advice and support contact the Get help with drug and alcohol problems Opens in a new window on 01803 604334. You can also watch our video on tips for drinking alcohol sensibly.

* Regularly means drinking this amount most days or every day. ABV is the percentage of alcohol in the drink.