Colin Beck: Keep tabs on how much alcohol you drink

Tally up the units and the chances are you'll be shocked, warns Colin Beck

A LARGE number of us need to drink a lot less but we may not realise it. Alcohol Awareness Week, which runs until 10 October, provides a reminder for people to think about their drinking behaviour and to cut down on the amount they drink.

Knowing how much you drink will help you realise how much alcohol you are consuming and to adopt sensible drinking behaviour. You don't have to be an alcoholic to experience drink-related problems. In fact, drinking above the recommended limits for prolonged periods can seriously damage health. Almost one in three women and around 40 per cent of all men in Lothian drink at a level that is harmful to their health.

It is easy for this level of drinking to creep up on us – you can down a few drinks most evenings with little idea that you have gone over the sensible limits. Most drink is consumed at home, and these measures tend to be more generous.

Restaurants and bars often ask if you would like a large glass of wine, but a large glass of wine on average (250ml) is likely to be a minimum of 3 units, or a third of a bottle of wine. The daily limit for women is two-three units per day with no more than 14 units in one week and two alcohol-free days.

It's very easy to get into the habit of drinking this amount most nights and regularly exceed the recommended weekly limit.

A simple unit-measuring glass is a great way to gauge how much you are drinking. This week, across Lothian, people will be asked to take the "unit challenge" to see if they can identify how much a unit of alcohol is. Those taking part will be given a free unit measure to keep as a handy guide. Such events are being held at The Gyle, the Mill Shopping Centre in Blackburn and Tesco in Haddington and Dalkeith.

If anyone is worried about their drinking or that of a family member or friend call Drinkline free on 08007 314 314. For more information visit www.alcoholawarenessweek.com

Colin Beck is service manager for Mental Health and Vulnerable Adults at the Edinburgh Alcohol and Drug Partnership