On a daily basis, how much alcohol would you have to consume for it to be a problem?
I know someone who drinks everyday. All i see is alcohol being drunk not water. Though this person does not get drunk.
Im worried.
The guideline is no more that 3-4 units a day. From the NHS direct website:
--Snip ----
A basic guide:
- A pint of ordinary strength lager = 2 units
- A pint of strong lager = 3 units
- A pint of bitter = 2 units
- A pint of ordinary strength cider = 2 units
- A 175ml glass of red or white wine = 2 units (approximately)
- A pub measure of spirits = 1 unit
- An alcopop = 1.5 units (approximately)
- A can of beer or lager = 1.5 units
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People who are dependant on alcohol don't always appear drunk and they become experts at covering their tracks.
Myarka.
Alcohol
Good Morning,
This is a subject very close to my heart. The NHS guidelines as stated above give very clear 'guidelines', (I've often tried to work out what these 'guidelines' are based on???) however there are still very serious health & social / behavioral issues and implications which can occur when alcohol is consumed in lesser amounts than these 'guidelines' stipulate. Not to mention the more obscure effects; skin deterioration, weight gain (or loss), mental health issues (depression), etc. Work in a substance misuse program for a few weeks, or speak to a misuse counsellor and you'll get a different concept of what constitutes a problem and where these guidelines sit in this picture. There are families who are very severely and profoundly affected by drinking that takes place in the home 'within these guidelines'.
Really, it comes down to the individual involved - what is his / her health like? Is his / her drinking affecting other aspects of life? Are family relations affected because of 'trips to the pub' or daily consumption that distracts from family responsibility? Is there behavioral change??? Etc. There are many different facets to be looked at and each individual is different.
My personal opinion is that if drinking is occurring on a daily basis, damage is being done to the Liver, Brain and other organs on a daily basis, and this CAN'T BE GOOD? This also indicates (TO ME) that there may be other underlying issues or that an addiction may exist. The subject of acceptable drinking is always a contraversal subject - and I've noticed when I voice these views at conferences, even during CPD courses, or with colleagues and friends in the same / similar profession my views are met with confronting facts - namely the NHS guidelines, that the liver is self-regenerating, even that drinking is a spiritual practice (?!?!?) interestingly, these objections seem to come from those in the profession who do drink and drink regularly & 'within the NHS guidelines'. Which only further afffirms to me how deaply the issue of regular, habitual drinking in society, actually is.
Those are just my opinions and thoughts! There is an abundance of support out there by professionals in the field who you could discuss your thoughts & concerns with - alanon, aa, etc. have a number of support lines for family, give one or a couple a call and talk your case through - they'll soon put your mind to rest if there isn't anything to be concerned about, and if there is they will offer professional support.
Love and Many Blessings to you,
RobynM, x
thanks everyone for your help, this has really helped.