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ASK THE DOCTOR: What exactly is ‘safe’ drink limit

Health advice with Dr George Crooks - Evening Times

I'M confused about the conflicting advice on how much it is safe to drink? Can you help?

Government guidelines state that men can drink 3-4 units of alcohol per day without serious risk to health. This amount is reduced to 2-3 units per day for women. These daily amounts apply whether you drink every day, once or twice a week, or only on occasion.

However, alcohol affects different people in different ways and you can be affected a lot more quickly if you've got a small body frame, you haven't eaten or you are not used to drinking.

My advise would be to have a few days each week where you don't drink at all, but don't "store up" your units and then binge drink at the weekends. Binge drinking can affect your personal safety and put you at risk of serious health problems.

If you feel you may have a problem with alcohol, make an appointment to see your GP in the first instance.