Alcohol can have significant effects on your health, especially when consumed in excessive amounts.
It can damage vital organs such as the liver, heart, and brain, increasing the risk of conditions like liver disease, heart problems, and certain cancers. Alcohol also weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections.
In addition to physical harm, alcohol can impact mental well-being, contributing to anxiety, depression, and memory issues. Even moderate drinking can interfere with sleep, digestion, and overall energy levels.
Understanding these risks is important to making informed choices about alcohol consumption.
Alcoholic drinks consist mainly of flavoured water and ethyl alcohol (ethanol). They are made by the fermentation of fruits, vegetables or grains.
Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and starts to have an effect within 5 to 10 minutes. The effects can last for several hours, depending on the amount consumed.
Alcohol is a depressant drug. It acts on the central nervous system to slow the body down. Usually people will feel more relaxed and less inhibited when drinking.
One unit of alcohol is 10ml (millilitres) or 8g (grams) of pure alcohol. It takes an average adult around an hour to process one unit so that there’s none left in their bloodstream – and the more you drink, the longer it takes.
It is estimated that around 10 million adults per year, in England, drink above the guidelines, including more than two million who drink at higher risk and an estimated 587,000 who are dependent on alcohol.
Unit guidelines are the same for men and women and both are advised not to regularly drink more than 14units per week (equivalent to six pints of average strength lager). Pregnant women are advised not to drink at all. Drinking more than the government’s recommended guidelines increases your risk of developing serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, liver disease, cancer, pancreatitis, and brain damage.
Alcohol can be very dangerous to take in combination with other drugs, especially cocaine. Mixing the two could form a dangerous chemical called cocaethylene.
When out drinking, drink in moderation and in a safe place with people you trust. It is also important to always keep an eye on your drink to minimise the risk of being spiked.
It is estimated that around 10 million adults per year, in England, drink above the guidelines, including more than two million who drink at higher risk and an estimated 587,000 who are dependent on alcohol.
Counselling can provide a safe and regular space for you to talk and explore difficult issues in your life and the feelings that go with them.
The Counsellor is there to support you and respect your views. They won’t usually give advice but will aim to try to help you find your own insights and understanding of your problems.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) believes that what you think and do affects the way you feel.
CBT works with thoughts and feelings in the here-and-now.
CBT is about finding out what is keeping us ‘stuck’ and making changes in our thinking and actions in order to improve the way we feel. It is a collaborative therapy and needs your active participation in order to be helpful.
The options of support were great. They directed me to counselling sessions that have been hugely beneficial and greatly appreciated.
Blackpool
Tracy was an absolute “gem”. Her care and support helped me through a mentally painful period. She listened, she remembered!
Lancashire
Revolution has helped me to turn around many negative elements of my life. The staff are extremely knowledgeable of the challenges faced by people living with HIV and have personally given me their time, tools and sound advice needed to start my health management journey and beyond.
Lancashire
Nina is the best support. She has been there for me more than my own nurse has been. When I need support, she is always there.
Blackburn with Darwen
They listened to me and helped me sort out certain issues which were important to me. I felt that they did listen and help me through stuff.
Blackpool
An exceptional and outstanding support service. The service has given me hope and a sense of belonging.
Blackburn with Darwen
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