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Understanding Units<\/h2>\n
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First off it\u2019s good to understand how much you usually drink. To do that we need to understand what a \u2018unit\u2019 of alcohol is. This is the measurement that helps you compare different drinks and count how much you have.<\/p>\n
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A unit is smaller than you think! A half pint of regular-strength beer or cider (4% alcohol) is about one unit, so if you have a pint then that\u2019s two. Stronger beer or cider will have a higher unit count, so a pint of premium lager at 5% alcohol will be almost 3 units. They add up quickly, eh?<\/p>\n
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A single measure of spirits (25ml at 40% alcohol) is also one unit, but pub measures are sometimes bigger \u2013 35ml \u2013 or come as doubles unless you ask for a single. Check when you order, as a 70ml double is almost a triple 25ml measure. If you pour your own at home it\u2019s likely you\u2019ll pour a much larger amount than you\u2019d get in pub so count it accurately!<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n The units in wine catch many people out. A standard pub glass of wine (175ml at around 12% alcohol) is just over 2 units. Ask for a large glass (250ml) and it will be 3 units. If you have three large glasses that\u2019s actually a whole bottle (about 9 units). It\u2019s really easy to drink more with wine than you plan to, but having a soft drink between glasses can be helpful to slow down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In August 2016\u00a0the UK Government announced an update to drinking guidelines<\/a>. This takes into account new evidence on the increased risks of several cancers from alcohol. Previously guidelines differed for men and women but now levels are the same.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can read more about units on the NHS Choices website<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you regularly drink more than 14 units a week, your drinking is increasing the risk to your long-term health. Most people doing this do not realise that they are. You might want to consider changes you can make to reduce this over the longer term.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Assess your own drinking<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Taking a break from booze<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n LGBT people and alcohol<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Additional support<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Back to Sober Start<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Antidote’s tips for\u00a0reducing alcohol Understanding Units First off it\u2019s good to understand how much you usually drink. To do that we need to understand what a \u2018unit\u2019 of alcohol is. This is the measurement that helps … Continue reading ![\"empty](\"http:\/\/londonfriend.org.uk\/2012\/2012\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/beer-glass.jpg\")
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The current guidelines on lower-risk drinking for people who drink regularly (most weeks) state:<\/h3>\n
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Cutting down<\/h2>\n
Our advice:<\/h3>\n
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Donate to London Friend<\/a>\u00a0and help us provide Antidote, the UK's only specialist LGBT drug and alcohol service.<\/h2>\n
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