| According to Tayside Alcohol Awareness Co-ordinating Group, the organisation behind the campaign, the amount of alcohol which people pour at home can easily exceed that of a normal unit measurement.
The campaign urges people to “stop and think” about their alcohol consumption.
“Drinking habits are changing, and drinking at home is becoming more and more commonplace,” said Eileen McArthur, from Angus Drug and Alcohol Action Team.
“As a nation we’re buying more cut-price alcohol from super-markets and off licences, and the Tayside co-ordinating group is keen to highlight this message to individuals and families.”
A unit of alcohol is eight grams (10ml) of pure alcohol. A pint of strong lager is about three units, a 175ml glass of wine at 12% is about two units and a 25ml measure of spirits is one unit.
Excessive consumption of alcohol can result in numerous health problems. Short-term problems include intoxication and poisoning, while long-term consumption can cause liver damage and could lead to mental health problems such as dependency and depression.
Evidence also suggests excessive alcohol is a contributory factor in cancer, stomach disorders, stroke and heart disease.
Paul Ballard, deputy director of public health, NHS Tayside, said, “Don’t fool yourself about how much you drink at home — it’s easy to underestimate.
“We are urging drinkers to look at the amount of alcohol they drink and think about the total over a week, instead of just pouring it.” |
