NHS issues drink-free week challenge

NHS bosses are encourage people to support Alcohol Free Week, which runs until next Tuesday, by switching to non-alcoholic drinks.

Health experts at NHS Yorkshire and the Humber say giving up alcohol, even for a short time can help people evaluate how much they drink, why they drink and help them to see how easily they can go without it.

Deputy regional director of public health from NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, Andrew Clark, said: “Men should not regularly drink over three to four units of alcohol per day, which in terms of drinks means around one and a half pints of lager.

“Women are advised not to drink more than two to three units on a daily basis, which equates to around one 250ml glass of wine. 

“Enjoying alcoholic drinks in moderation, on a night out with friends or sharing a bottle of wine with friends whilst having a meal, for most people is not dangerous.

“However, drinking two or three pints of beer or two or three glasses of wine a night can seriously damage your health.

“If you are unable to go without alcohol then it is likely that you have a problem.

“What this week is about is getting people to think about how much they drink, and if they are drinking too much they should reduce their drinking to bring it in line with the recommended amounts.”

Mr Clark said that regularly drinking more than the recommended amount can, among other things, increased the risk of cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure and serious heart problems as well as mouth, throat, gullet and stomach cancers.