Alcohol and health risks
Alcohol for many people is a normal part of life, often associated with socialising, celebrating or relaxing.
However, regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week risks damaging your health and increases your risk of developing a serious health condition.
Alcohol is linked to over 200 health conditions, including liver disease, cancer, high blood pressure and poor mental health. Even moderate drinking (within UK Chief Medical Officer guidelines of no more than 14 units per week) can increase breast cancer risk in women by up to 10% and drinking more than 3-4 units daily can increase the risk of bowel cancer by around 20%.
Top tips
- Avoid drinking more than 14 units per week.
- Try to have drink-free days to lower your risk of developing alcohol-related diseases.
- It is best to spread drinking over several days and avoid heavy drinking sessions.
Alcohol and relationships
Alcohol can play a complex role in relationships. People may drink to relax, socialise, or cope with stress but drinking too much or too often can put strain on relationships and damage the wellbeing of both adults and children.
Because alcohol affects mood, judgment and inhibitions, it can lead to saying or doing things that increase the likelihood of conflict, poor decisions and behaviour that may harm or frighten others.
Alcohol can also affect how people relate to each other more broadly. It may lead to neglecting responsibilities, reduced intimacy, or feeling disconnected, while difficult relationship experiences – such as loneliness, conflict or breakdown – can in turn increase drinking as a way of coping.
If alcohol is affecting your relationship, whether it’s your own drinking or someone else’s, remember that there is always somewhere you can turn for support.
Find out more
Alcohol Change UK have produced fact sheets on:
Top tips
- Talk it through: If something is on your mind, have the conversation when you’re both sober – don’t wait until alcohol is involved.
- Make a change: Commit to cutting down on your drinking – see our section below for tips and track your drinking using a tool like NHS Drink Free Days which can help you understand patterns and set realistic goals. You can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Get support: If alcohol is affecting your relationships, you can access support from Relate either individually or as a couple. If you would like help for you or someone else’s drinking, support is also available.
Alcohol and calories
Alcoholic drinks are high in calories and these can easily stack up. Many people forget to count the calories in their drinks. If you’re trying to lose weight, think about what you are drinking as well as what you are eating.
Calories from alcohol are ‘empty calories’ and hold no nutritional value and per gramme alcohol contains almost as many calories as fat. Cutting back on alcohol can help you maintain a healthy weight and help maintain normal body processes, such as fat burning and absorption of nutrients from your food.
Top tips
- Calculate the calories in your alcoholic drinks to stick to healthy limits.
- Remember that drinking can lead to eating more.
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or a non-sugary soft drink.
Did you know?
Alcohol and money
Alcohol can have a direct impact on finances. Regular spending on drinks – whether at home or socially – can quickly add up. Over time, this can reduce money available for essentials, savings or longer-term goals. There are also wider financial effects. Drinking more than intended can affect work, health and decision‑making, leading to lost income or additional costs.
Worrying about money can affect how people feel and behave, and alcohol may be used by some people as a way to cope with stress, anxiety or low mood. However, drinking too much will not solve financial problems and can make stress worse over time.
Cutting down on alcohol can help people feel more in control, both emotionally and financially, freeing up money for essentials, supporting healthier routines and making it easier to manage stress.
Find out more
For information and tips on budgeting and more, visit MoneyHelp.
Top tips
- Set a budget: Having a fixed amount when buying alcohol can be an effective way to drink less.
- Drink more slowly: sit out a round and limit the amount of alcohol you drink on a single occasion.
- Mix up your social plans: Catching up with friends doesn’t have to revolve around alcohol. Try a film night, a coffee and walk, or an activity like bowling, the gym or a class.
Alcohol and Mental wellbeing
People sometimes use alcohol as a way to cope with anxiety, stress, depression and life’s up and downs. Whilst it can initially help you feel more relaxed, the longer-term effects of excessive drinking can be harmful to our physical and mental health.
If you are feeling anxious, low, or experiencing any other symptoms of mental health problems, or you think that you are drinking too much, support is available. See your where to get help section below.
Find out more
The Mental Health Foundation offers comprehensive information on Alcohol and mental health.
Mental Wellbeing Hampshire provides support for a range of mental health issues and experiences.
Top tips
- Keep active. If you usually drink to cope with boredom or stress, try a healthier alternative. Exercise, a new hobby or simple tasks like cleaning or DIY can help keep your mind and body engaged.
- Stick with supportive friends – be around people who respect your choices and don’t pressure you to drink more.
- Don’t drink on an empty stomach – eating beforehand slows alcohol absorption and helps reduce intoxication and harm.
