Give binge drinking the boot

Give binge drinking the boot

With the FA Cup and the Champions League finals about to kick off, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging football fans to watch their alcohol intake while they enjoy watching the matches.

Owen O’Neill, the PHA’s Drug and Alcohol Lead, said: “The two finals are exciting events that football fans will enjoy, but it is important to be smart about alcohol and keep an eye on the amount you’re drinking.

“Binge drinking can have a lasting effect on your health such as damage to the liver, heart, brain and stomach. Therefore our advice is that if you are watching the big matches and decide to drink, take personal responsibility for your drinking and set yourself a limit to prevent excess drinking.”

Top tips

If you decide to drink alcohol, follow these simple tips:

  • alternate each alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic drink, for example water;
  • have something to eat before you start drinking to slow down the absorption of alcohol;
  • avoid drinking in rounds or having a kitty as this will  make you drink more;
  • keep track of your drinks and don’t let anyone top up your drink until it is finished;
  • it is recommended that men drink no more than three to four units of alcohol a day and no more than 21 units over the course of the week;
  • it is recommended that women drink no more than two to three units of alcohol a day and no more than 14 units over the course of the week;
  • remember that for each unit you drink over the daily limit, the risk to your health increases. It's important to spread the units throughout the week – you can't “save up” your units for the weekend or a party.

 

For further information on alcohol, visit the Public Health Agency’s website www.knowyourlimits.info