Many of us enjoy a drink now and then, but it’s easy to underestimate just how much alcohol we’re actually consuming. That casual glass of wine in front of the TV or a few drinks with friends over the weekend might not seem like much, but those units can quickly add up.
Understanding and tracking alcohol intake is crucial. Regularly exceeding the recommended limits doesn’t just increase the risk of developing alcohol dependence, it can also lead to serious health issues, including liver disease, heart disease, and even certain cancers.
By getting to grips with alcohol units, you can make more informed choices about your drinking habits, helping to protect both your short and long-term health. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about alcohol units and why they matter.
A unit of alcohol is a standardised way of measuring the amount of pure alcohol in a drink. In the UK, one unit of alcohol equals 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol.
The concept of alcohol units was first introduced in 1987 as a simple way to help people better keep track of their drinking and make more informed choices about their alcohol consumption. Now widely used, this system allows you to compare the strength of different drinks and understand how much alcohol you’re consuming, regardless of whether you’re drinking beer, wine, or spirits.
To help you track your alcohol intake, we’ve put together a general guide to the number of units in common drinks. However, it’s important to remember that these figures are approximations – the exact number of units can vary depending on the drink’s strength (ABV) and serving size.
Always check the alcohol content on the bottle or packaging to get a more accurate picture of what you’re consuming.
Keeping track of your alcohol units can help you stay in control of your drinking. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate number of units in different types of beer:
If wine is your drink of choice, it’s important to understand how many alcohol units are in each glass. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate units of alcohol found in small, standard, and large glasses of wine.
Remember, since wine varies in strength, with some bottles having a higher ABV, the number of units can fluctuate. Always check the label to get a more accurate idea of your intake.
Spirits are much stronger than wine or beer, meaning even small measures contain a significant amount of alcohol. Here’s a breakdown of the units found in common servings of spirits (based on 40% ABV):
If you’re mixing spirits with soft drinks or using them in cocktails, remember that additional ingredients don’t reduce the alcohol content. Always be mindful of your total intake.
The UK’s Chief Medical Officers recommend that no one should exceed more than 14 units of alcohol per week. To reduce potential health risks, it’s advised to:
While these guidelines provide a general benchmark, the amount of alcohol that is safe for you personally depends on your individual health and circumstances. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional.
If you’re concerned about your alcohol consumption and find yourself regularly exceeding the recommended limits, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. The sooner you get the support and help you need, the sooner you can start you journey toward recovery.
Excessive alcohol consumption can have a serious impact on all areas of your life, affecting your relationships, work, finances, and overall well-being. However, it’s important to remember you’re not alone. There are many support networks, professionals, and treatment options available to help you regain control.
Whether you seek advice from a healthcare professional, join a support group, or reach out to a specialist rehab provider, help is always available. Taking the first step toward change is the most important part of the journey.
At ANA, we are committed to helping our clients rebuild their lives, regain confidence, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. We believe everyone has the ability to live a healthy, fulfilling, and addiction-free life, free from substances like alcohol.
To find out more about our private rehab services, get in touch today. Our friendly, compassionate team is ready to help you take the first step towards recovery.
