What type of drinker are you?

It may help if you understand what type of drinker you are and what impact your level of consumption is likely to have on your health and well being. Then you can consider what changes you need to make to avoid potential problems now or in the future.

Which of the following statements best describes you?

1. I drink more than 3 units a day (for women) and 4 units a day (for men) but haven't experienced any problems so far. This is hazardous drinking

2. I drink large amounts of alcohol in a relatively short space of time so I can get drunk (more than 6 units for women and more than 8 units for men). This is binge drinking

3. I drink more than 3 units a day (for women) and 4 units a day (for men) and have already experienced some problems (at home, at work, with my health, with the law). This is harmful drinking

4. I drink more than 3 units a day (for women) and 4 units a day (for men) and I find it hard to cut down or feel unwell if I try to stop drinking. This is dependent drinking

5. I stay within 3 units a day (for women) and 4 units a day (for men) and have one or two alcohol-free days a week. This is sensible drinking

Hazardous Drinking/Binge Drinking

Continuing to drink at these levels puts you at risk of experiencing problems at some point in the future (see 'harmful drinking'). As your body becomes more tolerant to the drug, you may need to consume more alcohol to obtain the same affect.

If this sounds like you, try to reduce the risks when drinking alcohol.

Remember, alcohol is a habit forming drug so try to have one or two alcohol free days per week.

Harmful Drinking/Binge Drinking

This can lead to accidents such as falls, or conflicts, resulting in injury, or getting arrested by the police. You may suffer alcohol poisoning, have unsafe sex, suffer memory blackouts and miss work. Over time you will experience weight gain, and may begin feeling depressed, suffer stomach complaints and relationship problems. Failure to change your habits will lead to liver damage and could cause other heath problems such as cancer and heart disease. You also risk developing alcohol dependency in the future.

You may experience shakes, sweats, cravings, insomnia, anxiety and mood swings when you need a drink. Suddenly stopping drinking is dangerous when these symptoms are left untreated.

Well done! You are sticking to guidelines and drinking responsibly. Adhering to sensible drinking recommendations should help you avoid many common ailments and can be beneficial to health. However, it should be remembered that there are times when we should avoid alcohol entirely. This may be in preparation for a medical or surgical procedure, while taking some prescribed medicine, during training for sporting events, or during pregnancy, breastfeeding or if trying to conceive.