Alcohol consumption during Christmas

Earlier this year, figures from the NHS (National Health Service) showed that alcohol-related hospital admissions reached record levels in 2010. More than a million people were admitted in 2009-10, compared to 945,500 in 2008 -09 and 510,800 in 2002-03. . Almost two out of three of those cases were men. At the same time, the charity Alcohol Concern predicted that the number of admissions would reach 1.5 million a year in 2015 and cost the NHS £ 3.7 billion a year. Last year, a study in The Lancet concluded that alcohol is more harmful than heroin or crack when the general dangers to the individual and society are considered. The Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs study also classified alcohol as three times more harmful than cocaine or tobacco due to its widespread use.

Drinking to excess can put our health at risk, especially in the long term. This can include the following:

• High blood pressure

• Weight gain

• Liver disease

• Skin problems

• Memory loss

• Brain damage and possibly dementia

Unfortunately, during the Christmas period, people tend to save their daily allowance and consume large amounts of alcohol in one sitting. This is called binge drinking. This can dramatically raise blood pressure to consistently high levels and this increases the risk of a stroke. According to an article written by Telegraph, women binge drink more than men, they are also more likely to binge drink in the UK than any other country in Europe. According to the Department of Health (DOH), men who regularly drink more than two pints of strong water a day are three times more likely to get mouth cancer and three times more likely to have a stroke. Women who drink more than two large glasses of wine are twice as likely to have high blood pressure and 50% more likely to get breast cancer. DOH recommends that men and women drink the recommended units per day. For a male, this is no more than four units per day, and for a female, no more than three units per day. The following items are those that are classified as a unit of alcohol.

• Standard beer (including pints, bottles)

• Larger Premium (includes pint, bottles)

• Regular cider

• Small / medium glass of wine / champagne

• Small glass of gin / vodka / rum (25 ml)

• Small glass of whiskey / tequila

• Bottle of alcopop

Women are also advised to drink less than men because women have more fat and less fluid in the body to dilute the alcohol. In general, alcohol is more concentrated in women than in men and could cause more harm.

It is very important to stay in control during the festive period and to stay within the recommended limits. There are other ways to stay in control, including:

• Do not drink on an empty stomach

• Have a glass of water along with a glass of wine.

• Try to avoid buying rounds, as this can encourage people to drink more alcohol more quickly.

• Alternate alcohol with non-alcoholic beverages.

• Control your pace at celebrations, sporting events, and stag parties.

• If you are stressed, go for a walk instead of drinking.

This article showed that it can be easily achieved to drink sensitively, but at the same time enjoy the festive period and the New Year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!