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Alcohol - Watching Your Units

Thinking about your drinking? 

There’s no safe limit for alcohol but guidance says to keep health risks low, it is safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis. 14 units is the equivalent of: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use Alcohol Change UK’s Unit Calculator to check your weekly alcohol intake.  

If you regularly drink 14 units per week, making small changes can make a big difference to your health. You can reduce your risk of alcohol-related illnesses and injuries by: 

  • spreading your drinking evenly over 3 or more days 
  • having several drink-free days each week 
  • limiting the total amount of alcohol you drink on any single occasion  
  • Drinking alcohol more slowly, with food, and alternate with water 

The majority of people in Gwent report drinking within these guidelines, and almost 1 in 5 don’t drink any alcohol at all. 

Drinking within the guidance means you are less likely to develop alcohol-related harms, which include long term conditions such as liver disease, heart disease & stroke, as well as several types of cancer including breast and bowel. Drinking less alcohol is also a great way to boost energy levels, improve sleep, and save money too. 

If you’d like to cut down on your alcohol intake, or stop drinking it all together, check out Alcohol Change UK’s free Try Dry app to track your drinking and help you achieve your goal.  

Download for Apple: TRY DRY: The Dry January app on the App Store

Download for Android: Try Dry: Dry January® & beyond – Apps on Google Play

More information and support 

If you feel like you need a bit more support to help you make changes to your alcohol intake, or are worried you may be dependent on alcohol, Home - Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service  - the Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service, provide a free, confidential service for adults on 03339993577. 

If you’re under 18 and looking for support with alcohol, you can contact  Gwent N-gage - Home or call them on 0333 320 2751

Your GP can also provide advice and access to services. If you’re pregnant, the safest approach is to not drink alcohol at all. To keep risks to you and your baby to a minimum, speak to your midwife for support.    

If you think you may be dependent on alcohol, it is important that you do not stop or reduce your drinking suddenly. Instead seek advice on how you can cut down safely from your GP, GDAS or Gwent N-Gage.