ONE in five Bury adults say they drink more than they should and millions of people in the UK drink excessively to the extent where they are putting their health at risk.

Drinking a moderate amount of alcohol is unlikely to cause physical or psychological harm, however for some people, social drinking can lead to heavier drinking, which can cause serious health problems.

The health risks of too much alcohol

Heavy drinking, especially on a regular basis, can lead to serious health problems, including:

*Alcohol dependence or alcoholism

*Cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer

*Pancreatitis

*Stomach disorders, such as ulcers

*Mood changes

*Brain damage, including memory loss or dementia

*Certain types of cancer

*Anxiety, stress, depression, poor concentration

*Increased risk of heart disease and certain types of stroke

*Potentially fatal alcohol poisoning

*Sexual difficulties, including impotence

Heavy drinking is also linked to other risks, including sometimes fatal alcohol-related injuries and accidents. Drinking is also linked with teenage pregnancy, crime and violence.

What is binge drinking?

Binge drinking is defined as drinking eight or more units of alcohol in one session if you are a man, and more than six units in one session if you are a woman. Studies are starting to reveal that drinking a large amount of alcohol over a short period of time may be significantly worse for your health than frequently drinking small quantities.

In the UK, binge drinking is becoming a big problem. Teenagers as young as 16 admit to binge-drinking, and around 40 per cent of patients admitted to A&E are diagnosed with alcohol-related injuries or illnesses.

How much is too much?

Many people enjoy drinking sensibly and some experts agree that light drinking may offer some health benefits.

Sensible drinking limits are defined as no more than 21 units a week for adult males and 14 units a week for adult females. To reduce health risks from drinking, this should be spread over the week, and be no more than 3-4 units in any one day for men and 2-3 units in any one day for women.

Over recent years, the measures of alcoholic drinks have grown. It's the strength and size of a drink that determines how many units it has. It's not as simple as one drink, one unit. One 250ml glass of 14 per cent wine equates to 3.5 units of alcohol.

Drink Aware www.drinkaware.co.uk has a handy calculator to help you work out how much you may be drinking. Drink Aware also has useful information, statistics and advice about alcohol during the different life stages, for example drinking and the under 18s, young women, young men and the recommendations for pregnant women.

Tips to stay safe on a night out l-Eat a good meal before you go out or during the evening, and before you start drinking l-Never leave your drink unattended. If you are drinking from a bottle, hold your thumb over the opening when you are not drinking. This will help to protect you from drink spiking l-Know your limits, don't mix drinks and don't drink too quickly l-Drink water regularly to stay refreshed and hydrated l-Use soft drink spacers Getting help Excessive alcohol consumption can impact on your mental and physical health and social and personal relationships. If you think you might have alcohol-related problems there are many ways in which you can get help to reduce your drinking, and there are also many services that you can use that will help you stop altogether. You could seek advice from your GP who may refer you on to local specialist services, alternatively you can self refer to Early Break or the Bury Community Alcohol Team .

For further information l-Bury NHS Health Trainers (Alcohol) call in confidence tel: 0845 071 0699 l-Early Break Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service, tel: 0870 389 2080 www.earlybreak.co.uk l-Community Alcohol Team, tel: 0161 253 6488 - provide a treatment service for people (18 years and above) with an alcohol problem. The service is free and confidential and aims to reduce the harm caused by alcohol on the individual, their families and the wider community. Clients can self refer and can book an appointment in a variety of settings

Drink Aware www.drinkaware.co.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous tel: 0845 769 7555 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

NHS Direct, tel: 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Did you know?

The majority of people who are referred to the Bury Community Alcohol Team are dependent drinkers.

The majority of people who contact the Community Alcohol Team are self referred or referred through their GP.

An estimated 21per cent of Bury adults are reported to binge drink.

A local health survey suggests that one in five Bury adults say they drink over the sensible drinking limit and 3.1per cent say they consider themselves problem drinkers.

You could become a volunteer Health Trainer helping and supporting people with alcohol issues in the local community. For further details please call David or Kelly on: tel: 0161 272 4068/4069.

Healthcare costs of alcohol misuse in the UK add up to £1.7 billion per year.

Safe. Sensible. Social. The next steps in the National Alcohol Strategy (2007) is a government strategy which reviews progress to date and outlines further national and local action to achieve long-term reductions in alcohol-related ill health and crime.

By the end of next year, all alcoholic drinks labels should include alcohol unit information, following a new agreement between government and the drinks industry.