Problems with alcohol

Measured drinking

The Department of Health guidelines for men are three to four units of alcohol a day, adding up to 21 units in a week.

The following table shows the approximate number of units of alcohol in common drinks. However, this should only be used as a guide as the strengths can vary. Many bottled drinks show the number of units on the bottle.

Drink	Units of alcohol
1 pint of strong lager, cider or best bitter	3 units
1 small glass of wine (175ml)	2 units
1 pint normal strength lager, cider or bitter	2.3 units
1 can of strong lager	2 units
1 double measure of spirits	2 units
1 bottle of alcopop	1.5 units
1 large single measure of spirits	1.4 units
1 small single measure of spirits	1 units

For men ‘binge’ drinking is generally seen as drinking eight units or more in one session, or drinking to get drunk. Not drinking for a few days then drinking all your week's units in one go counts as binge drinking.

When is drinking a problem?

Most people with drink problems aren't actually alcoholics. Many will only drink a few days a week but then drink to excess.

Is your drinking (or the drinking of someone close to you) a problem? These can be the signs:

• you've tried to cut down on drinking
• you get annoyed if people comment on how much you drink
• you've felt guilty about your drinking
• you've ever felt you need a drink first thing in the morning.

If you get ‘the shakes’ this means you're dependent on alcohol and suddenly stopping drinking alcohol completely could be dangerous, so consult your doctor.

More information and support

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Nationwide. Also has meetings at Kairos, the gay community organisation in Soho, London. www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Drinkline

Free, confidential helpline offering help and support around your drinking or someone else's.Telephone: 0800 917 8282 , Monday -Friday 9am-11pm.

Terrence Higgins Trust

In London THT has specialist help for gay and bisexual men around their alcohol use.
THT Direct: 0845 12 21 200
Alternative telephone: 020 7812 1777.
www.tht.org.uk

Antidote at the Hungerford Project

It's a London service but they can point you towards drugs and alcohol services more local to you.
Telephone: 0207 437 3523
www.thehungerford.org/antidote.asp