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Too much drink a downer?

Having too much alcohol can depress you – but a little goes a long way!  Find out what’s good to drink.

Enjoy yourself – and stay healthy

Most of us enjoy a drink on a night out.  Sometimes it can feel like social life is built around opportunities for drinking!  But you can enjoy yourself, drink responsibly and still take care of your health and wellbeing.  Find out here how to get a healthy balance.

What are units?

The alcohol content of drinks is measured in units. One UK unit contains eight grams of pure alcohol.

The government recommends that women drink no more than 2-3 units per day, whilst men should stick to 3-4 units.  If you drink less, so much the better!  Drinking more than that on a regular basis can lead to health problems.

What’s in a drink?

It’s not always straightforward to work out how much you’re drinking – one drink, one unit is not always the rule.  It depends on the strength and size of the drink you’re taking. 

For example, one unit is equal to half a pint of normal strength beer, half of a 175 ml glass of wine, or a small measure of spirits.  However, if you drink a pint of strong lager or a 250ml pub glass of wine, you could be drinking 3 units in one go! 

Remember, too, that on holidays measures are often larger in pubs – so those two G&Ts could be the same as four or five at home.

Try this BBC interactive drinks calculator to work out how much you drink on a regular basis. Remember, though, that men should drink no more than 21 units a week - while women shouls stick to 14 units.

Tips for moderating your drinking

Even small changes to the way you drink can make a big difference in reducing the negative effects of alcohol. You’ll still enjoy your big nights out – without feeling like death the next day!

• Alcohol can dehydrate you, so alternate drinks with water to stay hydrated, and drink water before you go out, so that you’re not as thirsty.
• Line your stomach by having a proper meal before you go out, or eating something while you’re drinking.  It’ll slow down the alcohol absorption.
• Have soft drink ‘spacers’ during the night. A coke will look just the same as a vodka and coke, and you won’t get so drunk – or feel as bad in the morning!
• Try to have days in the week when you don’t drink any alcohol – it’ll give your body time to recover.
• If you’re prone to big sessions, try taking less money with you, and leave the credit cards at home.
• After a drinking session, drink as much water as you can before going to sleep, and put a glass of water beside the bed, too.
• Drinking can lower your blood sugar level, so try to eat as soon as you’re able the next day.  Bananas, cereal, or an egg on toast are all good choices.
• Remember, if you’re drinking on holiday, alcohol dehydrates you and the heat of the sun can make it worse – so try to pace your drinking!

How drink affects your mood

You may feel that drink makes you feel more sociable, but in fact alcohol is a depressant.  If you’re feeling down or anxious, a glass of wine might seem to offer short term relief, but it can make you feel worse in the long run.

Try to avoid using alcohol to lift your mood if possible.  Why not phone a friend and meet up with them instead – or try one of our Mood Boosters! 

If you take any medication for mental health problems, ask your GP if it’s safe to drink.  Some medications can interact with alcohol, preventing them from working properly – so always check with your doctor first.

Remember, when you go out, enjoy yourself and make the most of your nights out – just don’t overdo it!

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