Habitual excessive alcohol consumption

The recommended safe limits for weekly intake of alcohol in the UK are 21 units for men and 14 units for women. Health is seriously at risk when weekly alcohol intake reaches 35 units for men and 21 units for women.

Heavy consumption is defined as more than 50 units per week in males and more than 35 units in females.

A unit of alcohol is approximately equivalent to:

• a small glass of wine,
• a single pub measure of spirits,
• half a pint of ordinary strength beer.

A standard bottle of spirits contains 32 units, a standard bottle of wine contains 8 units, a standard can of lager [330mls] contains 1.5 units and a can of extra strong lager or cider contains 4 units.

The risk of developing mental, physical and social problems is increased in people who:

Drink heavily

The risk is highest in men who consume more than 50 units per week and women who consume more than 35 units per week.

Drink regularly

Binge drinkers are those who drink excessively in short bouts, usually 24 - 48 hours long, often separated by lengthy periods of abstinence. Their overall weekly or monthly consumption may be relatively modest.

Drink over a long period of time