Drugs & Alcohol Facts
Alcohol
Also known as: Alco-pops, Beers, Cans, Tins, Pints, Plonk.
Looks like: All sorts of different drinks
How it is taken: Swallowed
The effects: In small doses it can make you relaxed and happy. In large doses it can make you feel down. Alcohol affects different people in different ways, so it's hard to know how much you can handle.
Downside: Can make you lose control.
Class: N/A
The Law: It is illegal for under 18 year olds to buy alcohol.
Sensible Drinking Guidelines:
The UK Government’s sensible drinking guidelines advise no more than:
2 to 3 units per day and no more than 14 units per week for women
3 to 4 units per day and no more than 21 units per week for men
After an episode of heavy drinking it is advisable to refrain from drinking for 48 hours to allow your body to recover. This is a short term measure. People whose pattern of drinking places them at significant risk should seek professional advice.
Drink Type | Measure/Size | Units |
Standard Lager/Bitter | 1 pint (568ml) 1 can (440ml) 1 bottle (330ml) | 1.2 1.5 1.2 |
Premium Lager/Bitter | 1 pint (568ml) 1 can (440ml) 1 bottle (330ml) | 2.8 2.2 1.7 |
Superstrength Lager | 1 pint (568ml) 1 can (440ml) 1 bottle (330ml) | 5 4 3 |
Wine/Champagne | Small glass (125ml) Medium glass (175ml) Large glass (250ml) Bottle (750ml) | 1.5 2.1 3 9 |
Wine | Small glass (125ml) Medium glass (175ml) Large glass (250ml) Bottle (750ml) | 1.6 2.3 3.3 9.8 |
Gin/Vodka/Rum | Small single (25ml) Large single (35ml) Small double (50ml) Large double (70ml) | 0.9 1.3 1.8 2.6 |
Whiskey/Tequila | Small single (25ml) Large single (35ml) Small double (50ml) Large double (70ml) | 1 1.4 2 2.8 |
Alcopop eg Smirnoff, Barcardi Breezer, WKD | Regular bottle (275ml) | 1.5 |
The above information is intended as a guide only. Brands may contain fewer or more units than indicated above. For accuracy you are advised to check labels.
To help you work out whether you're drinking too much, and if so, what you can do about it visit downyourdrink.org.uk
