If you are worried about your alcohol use or concerned about a loved one who drinks too much, on these pages you can find out more about alcohol units, alcohol risks and alcohol support services in Portsmouth.
How many units are in your drink?
Units are used to measure the amount of alcohol in different drinks. Alcoholic drinks are served in different measures and have different strengths so it is useful to know how many units are in your drink.
http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/tips-and-tools/drink-diary/
How your drinking could be affecting you
| Risk | Men | Women | Common effects |
| Lower Risk | No more than 3-4 units per day on a regular basis | No more than 2-3 units per day on a regular basis | Increased relaxation Sociability Reduced risk of heart disease (for men over 40 and post menopausal women) |
| Increasing Risk | More than 3-4 units per day on a regular basis | More than 2-3 units per day on a regular basis | Progressively increasing risk of: Low energy Depression Insomnia Impotence High blood pressure Memory loss Cancer Liver disease Alcohol dependence |
| Higher Risk | More than 8 units per day on a regular basis or more than 50 units per week | More than 6 units per day on a regular basis or more than 35 units per week |
Breaking Free is an award winning online treatment programme - click here for more details.
What are the benefits of cutting down?
Physical
- You reduce your risk of injury
- You reduce your risk of high blood pressure
- You reduce your risk of cancer
- You reduce your risk of liver disease
- You sleep better
- You have more energy
- You may lose weight
- You won’t have hangovers
- You improve your memory
- You reduce your risk of impotence.
Social, financial and wellbeing
- You improve your mood
- You save money
- You have better relationships
- You have less emotional strain with your family
- You reduce your risk of offending
- You reduce your risk of being in a vulnerable situation
- You reduce your risk of being a victim of a violent or sexual assault
- You will have more time to do this thing you want to do
- Your children will be less likely to be heavy drinkers.
Click here to find out more about the effects of alcohol on your health.
Click here for tips on how to cut back on your alcohol intake.
Click here to access interactive tools to help you drink less.
There are confidential services available to help you address your alcohol use and either cut down or stop drinking. There are a range of services in Portsmouth including alcohol workers in doctor’s surgeries who offer drop in sessions, one-to-one counselling and group sessions. There are also services for detoxification and residential rehabilitation.
Your GP or another health professional can refer you - ask about the alcohol interventions team. Or you can refer yourself (self referral) – call 023 9284 1753.
For a confidential assessment of alcohol treatment needs and to discuss your options call Portsmouth Community Drug Agency: 023 9275 1617.
To contact Alcoholics Anonymous call: 0845 120 0660.
For confidential support for families and loved ones of alcohol misusers call Rebound on 07939 580167.
