Signs you are drinking too much

WOMAN’S GP DR PHILIPPA KAYE ON HER TOPIC OF THE WEEK

\PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY. *JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY JOURNAL. **SURVEY BY GUIDE DOGS 2022. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP. CHECK WITH YOUR GP OR MEDICAL EXPERT BEFORE TAKING NEW SUPPLEMENTS

Did you celebrate the coronation with a glass or two? Or maybe you’re planning a big party for the bank holiday weekend coming up? While many people view the holidays as a time for rest and relaxation, social gatherings can also mean more alcohol. But how much should you be drinking, and how would you know if you’re drinking too much?

Alcohol intake is measured in units – this is related to the alcohol content of the drink and how much of it you have.

You can work out the units by multiplying the strength of the drink (% ABV) by the volume (in ml) and dividing by 1,000. If that sounds too complicated, on average, a 750ml glass of white, rosé or red wine (13.5% ABV) contains 10 units of alcohol. A single shot of spirit is one unit, a small glass of wine (125ml) one-and-a-half units, and a pint of beer, lager or cider between two and three units. Remember, your wine glass at home is likely to be larger than a small glass, and it can be harder to keep track of top-ups.

It’s recommended that women don’t drink more than 14 units per week, avoid binge drinking (having more than six units in a single session for women) and have some alcohol-free days each week. The alcohol guidelines are limits, meaning the maximum you should drink, unlike other guidelines, such as exercise, which are goals we are aiming to get to!

There are four questions to ask yourself which may help assess if you are drinking too much and whether you may need help to stop. These are called the CAGE questionnaire.

1 Have you ever thought you should Cut down on the amount you drink?

2