Health

Could you be drinking more than the recommended limits of alcohol and putting your health seriously at risk?

Almost one in two men and almost a third of women in the North East admit to drinking over the recommended limits.

But how much is too much? The recommended limits are no more than 2-3 units a day, or about two small glasses of wine, for a woman and 3-4 units, or about two pints of regular strength beer or lager, for a man.

The effects of drinking too much, too often, can last a lifetime and can be life changing - having a devastating impact on your health and an emotional impact on those around you.

When we think of the side effects of alcohol many of us remember the headaches, vomiting, spinning room, tiredness – but it’s the damage you can’t see or immediately feel that is doing the real harm.

Alcohol is a major cause of illness, injury and death. It is the third largest risk factor to health in developed countries, linked to more than 60 diseases and health conditions.

In the North East we have the highest rate of alcohol related hospital admissions in England and every eight minutes someone is admitted to one of the region’s hospitals as a result of alcohol.

Did you know?

• Alcohol misuse is a major cause of illness, injury and death and is linked to more than 60 medical conditions and diseases.
   
• The North East has the highest rate of alcohol related hospital admissions in England.
   
• Alcohol is the second biggest cause of cancer (in people over 35) after smoking.