Below is some information to help you make decisions on the amount you drink to reduce your risk of alcohol-related harm.

It must be remembered that there is no level of drinking that is safe for all people all the time. Factors like health, age, and weight directly affect how much it is safe for you to drink. For some, no alcohol is the only safe option.

These levels are based on a measurement called the 'standard drink'. Each standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol. Click here to see how many standard drinks there are in typical servings.

On any one drinking occasion you should drink no more than

• six standard drinks (for men)
• four standard drinks (for women)

When drinking alcohol, eat some food as well.

In any one week, you should drink no more than

• 21 standard drinks (for men)
• 14 standard drinks (for women)

Have some alcohol-free days each week

Each week, have two or more days when you don't drink any alcohol at all. This helps your body recover from the effects of the alcohol.

Some people choose the same two or three days each week for their alcohol-free days. Others choose every second day. Choose whatever suits you best, and keep to it.

Remember

Even if you drink less than these levels, your drinking will not be safe in all situations. There are some people who should not consume alcohol, or limit their use to less than these amounts:

• During pregnancy - the risk of birth defects is greater if pregnant women drink, especially in the first eight to twelve weeks of pregnancy. During pregnancy, it is better not to drink any alcohol at all
• Thin people - those below average body weight (60kg for men, 50kg for women
• Young people
• Older people because their bodies are less able to handle the effects of alcohol;
• People with a strong family history of alcoholism
• People who are or have been dependent on other drugs
• People who have a poor diet, or are under-nourished.

These guidelines may be too high when you're

• Driving
• Operating machinery
• Boating, scuba diving etc
• Taking medication aspirin or any other drugs that irritate the stomach, such as steroids or anti-flammatory drugs
• Taking sleeping pills or tranquillisers, anti-depressants or narcotics;
• Suffering an acute or chronic physical disease such as heart and lung disease, influenza, diabetes, epilepsy or acute infections
• Recovering from an accident, injury or operation.

Research suggests the more alcohol some women drink, the greater their risk of developing breast cancer .

Check your drinking on the Drinkcheck test.

For more information

If you think you may be drinking too much, or know someone who has problems with drinking, talk to your doctor, or phone the Alcohol & Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797.