Your vices All too often, men deal with the increasing pressures of modern life by turning to props such as: alcohol, smoking or drugs. On the following pages, Dr Rob Hicks looks at the effects these can have on your health.

In this article

Alcohol How much is too much? Do you have a drink problem? Useful contacts

Smoking What you gain by quitting How to give up Useful contacts

Drugs Drug highs and lows Do you have a drug problem? Useful contacts

Having a drink is sociable, enjoyable and, in many societies, part of the culture. Alcohol is also relaxing and eases inhibitions. A moderate amount may actually help to protect the heart and circulation.

However, one in four men drinks too much and too often. If you regularly go over the top with your drinking then you'll end up damaging your body.

Drinking too much alcohol is also often responsible for accidents, poor work performance, relationship problems and crime. Whatever else you do with alcohol, never drink and drive.

The recommended safe intake of alcohol for men is no more than three to four units a day. One unit is:

• half a pint of ordinary strength beer or lager
• a small glass of wine
• a single pub measure of spirits

Too much alcohol can cause...

• high blood pressure, which contributes to strokes and heart attacks
• indigestion and stomach ulcers
• weight loss and malnutrition
• depression
• nerve damage
• permanent memory loss

Take care - a can of extra strong beer or lager is equal to two pints of ordinary strength beer or lager, which amounts to four units of alcohol. A generous glass of wine could equal two units, since the average wine glass is now often 175ml rather than the traditional 125ml. A home measure of spirit is usually more generous than a pub measure.

To calculate the number of units, you need to know the amount of liquid in millilitres (one pint is 568ml) and the strength of the drink. This is known as the percentage alcohol-by-volume (ABV), also referred to as 'proof'.

To work out the number of units in a drink, multiply the amount of liquid in millilitres by the percentage ABV, and then divide by 1,000.

If you answer 'yes' to two or more of these questions, you may have alcohol-related problems and should seek help and advice from your doctor or a specialist alcohol service:

• Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
• Have people annoyed you by criticising your drinking?
• Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

Alcoholics Anonymous
A group who share their experiences with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
Tel: 0845 769 7555
Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Alcohol Concern
Information on alcohol misuse including a factsheet on men and alcohol, plus advice on cutting down.
Website: www.alcoholconcern.org.uk