The more alcohol you drink the greater your risk of damaging your body. Liver problems, depression, reduced fertility, high blood pressure, increased risk of various cancers and forgetfulness are some of the effects of long-term excessive drinking.
The NHS gives advice on sensible drinking based on the known risks. There is no guaranteed safe level of drinking, but if you drink below a certain level the risks of harm are reduced.

Drinking guidelines

• Men should not regularly drink more than three to four units a day.
• Women should not regularly drink more than two to three units a day.
• No alcohol for 48 hours after a heavy drinking session. Avoid alcohol completely if you're pregnant or trying to conceive. But if you do drink, drink no more than one to two units once or twice a week.

How much is a unit?

• A pint of 3-4% lager, beer or cider = 2 units
• A pint of 5% lager, beer and cider = 3 units
• A 25ml shot = 1 unit
• A 175ml glass of wine = around 2 units
• A 250ml glass of wine = around 3 units
• A 25ml of spirits (a pub single) = 1 unit
• An alcopop = around 1.5 to 2 units
• A bottle of wine = around 10 units

What if I drink more?

Drinking more than the recommended limit is linked to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Weight gain
• Osteoporosis
• Dementia
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Increased risks of some types of cancer, including cancer of the mouth, throat and breast

Cutting down could reduce your risk of all these illnesses and conditions. If you have been drinking more than is recommended, reducing your drinking to bring it back within the sensible limits for regular drinking does reduce the risks to your future health.

You may need help with alcohol if: 

• you always need to have a drink,
• you get into trouble because of your drinking, or
• other people warn you about how much you’re drinking.

A good place to start is with your GP. Be honest about how much you drink. Ask about free local support groups, day-centre counselling and one-to-one counselling.
If you are concerned about your own or someone else's drinking you can also contact the Rotherham Alcohol Service Lifeline on 01709 364804.
Or drop in to: Milton House, 77 Sheffield Road, Rotherham, S60 1DA.

The national Drinkline helpline can also put you in touch with your local alcohol advice centre for help and advice. Contact: 0800 9178282 (24 hours).