Watch your alcohol intake at Christmas

Many people across Northern Ireland will be gearing up for office parties, family gatherings and nights out with friends when it will be all too easy to overindulge.

Owen O’Neill, the PHA’s Drugs and Alcohol Lead, said: “Most people will be looking forward to relaxing and enjoying themselves over Christmas and we are asking that they keep an eye on what they are drinking and set themselves limits. Don’t let your drinking spoil the holiday for you and your friends and family.”

It is recommended that men drink no more than three to four units of alcohol a day and no more than 21 units over a week. For women, it is recommended that they drink no more than two to three units of alcohol a day and no more than 14 units over the course of the week.

It’s important to spread the units throughout the week – you can’t ‘save up’ your units for a particular day or a party.

Binge drinking can have a major impact on health such as causing damage to the liver, heart, brain and stomach.

Alcohol can also affect your mental wellbeing and hangovers can leave you feeling low and anxious.

For further information about alcohol limits visit www.knowyourlimits.info