DryOutNow.com is a leading online provider of free medical information about alcoholism and drinking. This includes free medical information, research articles and news on alcohol and drinking related addictions to help inform professionals. The glossary style articles are one of a selection of news articles, academic research papers and information articles relating to addictive behaviour, and in particular to alcohol and drinking.

What amount of alcohol is unhealthy?

The amount of alcohol defined by the World Health Organisation as being damaging for health is the consumption of more than 21 units of alcohol per week for males, and 14 units of alcohol per week for females.

It is well established that on average the amount of alcohol females are able to consume is less than for males for the same amount of harm. Apart from the amount of alcohol, alcohol abuse is also considered by some to be occurring if a person drinks routinely on more than 5 days of the week.

In practical terms, the amount of alcohol a male must consume to cause damage equates the consumption of more than 8 pints of typical strength lager in a week, on an on-going basis. For a female the amount of alcohol that is damaging equates to the consumption of more than 1.5 bottles of wine in a week on an on-going basis.

In contrast, the amount of alcohol that is healthy to consume is in the region of 1 unit of alcohol daily on 5 days of the week. This amount of alcohol is actually likely to improve health, through a protective effect on the heart.

What amount of alcohol leads to alcoholism?

An amount of alcohol more than 70 units per week for a female and more than 100 units per week for a male is likely to lead to the development of alcohol withdrawal symptoms over time.

How can I reduce the amount of alcohol I use?

If you have become physically addicted to alcohol, then you should only reduce the amount of alcohol you are using very slowly over a number of days. You must never stop drinking suddenly, as alcohol withdrawal can be fatal or produce other serious consequences. There are various forms of treatment to help you to reduce the amount of alcohol you use, including medical and psychological treatments. One of the most effective forms of treatment is to arrange of period of admission to a residential rehabilitation centre.

Our professional advisors are available to you 12 hours daily, 7 days a week, to help you with expert, completely practical advice about drug addiction and alcoholism, free-of-charge. All appropriate forms of treatment can be arranged wherever you live. Telephone 0845 370 0203 now for advice in confidence.