As part of our commitment to a healthy and supportive workplace, we want to share some information regarding alcohol consumption and wellbeing. Understanding alcohol and how it affects your mind, body and behaviour can help you make responsible choices.
Being aware of your drinking doesn’t mean judgement, it means giving yourself the tools to make safer decisions, reduce potential harm and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
What are the risks of regular drinking of alcohol?
Regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week risks damaging your health.
For all types of alcohol-related harm, risk increases the more an individual drinks.
Recommended Drinking Guidelines (UK)
There is no completely “safe” limit, but low-risk drinking is considered up to 14 units per week for adults of all genders.
Understanding Units: One unit = 8 grams of alcohol. Sizes and strengths vary, so it’s helpful to check labels or use a guide:
| Beverage | Size & Strength | Units |
| Standard glass of wine | 175ml, 12% | 2.1 |
| Large glass of wine | 250ml, 13% | 3 |
| Measure of spirits | 35ml, 40% | 1.4 |
| Bottle of alcopops | 275ml, 5% | 1.4 |
| Pint of beer | 3.5–5% | 2–3 |
| Can of strong cider/lager | 440ml, 9% | 4 |
Where To Get Support
If you would like more information, advice or support around alcohol use, the following services are available:
Vivup – provides comprehensive alcohol awareness through its Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), offering confidential support and educational resources to help employees manage their drinking habits, recognise the signs of dependency, and navigate substance related triggers. Sign in or register to Vivup here: https://cwipc.vivup.co.uk/users/sign_in
Drink line: The national alcohol helpline, offering free, confidential support at 0300 123 1110.
Alcohol Change UK: Resources on cutting down and understanding alcohol guidelines. Alcoholics Anonymous: Confidential support groups and a helpline at 0800 9177 650.
The NHS Drink Free Days app – designed to help you cut down your alcohol consumption, with key features being visual progress (track your days on a calendar), reminders, health and financial tracking and privacy. Find it on your app store or the google play link here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phe.daysoff&hl=en_GB
NHS Every Mind Matters – designed to give you specific self-help tips to help you feel more like yourself. It does this by building simple changes into people’s daily life such as reframing unhelpful thoughts, breathing exercises and increasing physical activity.
If you’re curious about your relationship with drinking, Drinkaware offers a helpful self-assessment tool to help you better understand your habits: www.drinkaware.co.uk/tools/drinking-check/#/overview.