Know your alcohol limit 30/6/08
‘Know your limits’ is the message being promoted by NHS Western Isles in line with a national campaign to inform people how many units of alcohol are in their drinks.
A new report ‘How much are people in Scotland really drinking?’ was recently launched by NHS Health Scotland. The report provides a true reflection of Scottish drinking behaviour, and suggests that people in Scotland may be drinking twice as much as surveys have previously reported. These findings are also reflected in the Scottish Governments revised alcohol consumption estimates published last month.
NHS Western Isles Director of Public Health Dr Sheila Scott, stated: “There has been a national rise in alcohol related illness. Figures for the Western Isles reflect this trend and show the serious nature of alcohol related problems.
“Glass sizes have grown along with the strength of many wines, beers and lagers. This has led to confusion for many people who consider that they are keeping within safe drinking levels.
“These studies should help individuals recalculate their alcohol consumption to remain within the recommended limits of 2/3 alcohol units for women and 3/4 alcohol units for men per day, with at least 2/3 alcohol free days per week.
“The know your limits campaign, which is running nationally in the press, radio and television, tells people how many units are in their drinks by using images to help people understand how many units are in typical alcoholic drinks and gives information on how to stay within safe drinking limits.”
This year the Western Isles Alcohol and Drug Action Team (ADAT) has confirmed funding of £365,118 through monies received from Scottish Government to deliver a range of projects to address the effects of substance misuse.
Donald Macleod Chairperson of the Western Isles ADAT said: “The ADAT remains committed to working towards addressing attitudes towards alcohol within our community. We are committed to preventing and reducing the harmful use and effects of substance misuse on individuals, families, and communities throughout the Western Isles. We will deliver this by working with our partners in raising awareness of the issues, and the provision of support and treatment services.”
It should be noted that home measures tend to be larger than pub measures where the average glass of spirits poured is 57ml which is equal to 2.3 units. A 330ml bottle of premium lager or beer equals to 2 units; one pint of premium strength lager or beer equals 4 units; a 175ml standard glass of wine (alc 12.5% vol) equals 2 units; while a 750ml bottle of wine (alc 12.5% vol) equals nine units.
To check your limits, log on to www.units.nhs.uk/media-press.html
