Information for patients
This leaflet can be made available in other formats including large print, CD and Braille and in languages other than English, upon request.
This leaflet is a helpful brief intervention tool as it will explain to you what a unit of alcohol is and will give you advice on the risks related to drinking over the recommended unit levels.
Local contact details are provided if you need further advice and support in the community.
How many units of alcohol did you drink today?
| Risk | Men | Women | Common Effects |
| Lower Risk | No more than 3 – 4 units per day on a regular basis | No more than 2 – 3 units per day on a regular basis | · Increased relaxation · Sociability · Reduced risk of heart disease (for men over 40 and post-menopausal women) |
| Increased Risk | More than 3 – 4 units per day on a regular basis | More than 2 – 3 units per day on a regular basis | Progressively increasing risk of: · Low energy · Memory loss · Relationship problems · Depression/Anxiety · Insomnia · Impotence · Injury · Alcohol dependence · High blood pressure · Liver disease · Cancer |
| Higher Risk | More than 6 units per day on a regular basis or more than 50 units per week | More than 6 units per day on a regular basis or more than 35 units per week | Progressively increasing risk of: · Low energy · Memory loss · Relationship problems · Depression/Anxiety · Insomnia · Impotence · Injury · Alcohol dependence · High blood pressure · Liver disease · Cancer |
There are times when you will be at risk even after consuming one or two units of alcohol. For example, with strenuous exercise, when operating heavy machinery, driving or if you are on certain types of medication.
If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, it is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol.
Your screening score suggests you are drinking at a rate that increases your risk of harm and you might be at risk of problems in the future.
Making your plan:
- When you are bored or stressed, have a workout instead of drinking.
- Avoid going to the pub after work.
- Plan activities and tasks at those times you would usually drink.
- When you do drink, set yourself a limit and stick to it.
- Have your first drink after starting to eat.
- Quench your thirst with non-alcohol drinks before and in between alcoholic drinks.
- Avoid drinking in rounds or in large groups.
- Switch to low alcohol beer/lager.
- Avoid or limit the time spent with “heavy” drinking friends.
The psychological, social and financial benefits of reducing your alcohol consumption
- Improved mood.
- Improved relationships.
- Reduces risks of drink driving.
- Save money.
The physical benefits of reducing your alcohol consumption
- Better sleep.
- More energy.
- Weight loss.
- No hangovers.
- Reduced risk of injury.
- Improved memory.
- Better physical shape.
- Reduced risk of high blood pressure.
- Reduced risk of cancer.
- Reduced risk of liver disease and brain damage.
Men
Should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol a day.
Women
Should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units of alcohol a day.
‘Regularly’ means drinking every day or most days of the week. You should also take a break for 48 hours after a heavy session to let your body recover.
For further advice and support, contact the service in your area
Stockton Recovery Service. Change, Grow, Live
Telephone: 01642 673888
Hartlepool Borough Council and Foundations
Telephone: 01429 285000
County Durham Services
Telephone: 03000 266666
Darlington with you at STRIDE
Telephone: 01325 809810
Middlesbrough Recovering Together
Telephone: 01642 876323
Redcar and Cleveland – We are with you
Telephone: 01642 876323
Visit the NHS website for more info on support and other services available to you:
www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support
Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints
Patient Experience Team (PET)
We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:
Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]
Out of hours
Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617
Data protection and use of patient information
The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.
Telephone: 01642 383551
Email: [email protected]
Privacy NoticesLeaflet feedback
This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:
Email: [email protected]
Leaflet Reference: PIL1370
Date for Review: 13/04/2025