NHS Highland backing campaign to make drinkers more aware
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NHS Highland is backing a new national drink awareness campaign.
It comes after research showed wine, beer and spirits drinkers remain largely unsure of how many drinks make up the recommended weekly alcohol unit guideline of 14.
Only 15 per cent of beer, lager and cider drinkers in Scotland were able to correctly identify that six pints equals 14 units, with 16 per cent of wine drinkers knowing 14 units equated to six medium glasses of wine.
Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of those who drink spirits regularly knew seven double measures added up to the recommended maximum unit guideline.
Many simply answered “don’t know” when asked.
The Scottish Government’s Count 14 campaign, backed by NHS Highland, aims to help people understand how their weekly drinking adds up.
Highland Alcohol and Drug Partnership co-ordinator Deborah Stewart said: “Alcohol consumption is linked to a number of serious health conditions including heart problems, high blood pressure and poor mental health.
“To keep health risks from alcohol low, the advice is that it is safest for men and women not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.
“Immediate effects of cutting down your alcohol consumption include feeling better in the mornings, being less tired and feeling more energetic.
“There are also longer-term benefits including an improved mood, improvement in sleep and improvement in your body’s ability to fight infection and there’s also the benefit of having more money in your pocket.”
Figures show that in 2018, Scots bought enough alcohol for every adult to drink 19 units per week, meaning that on average every adult in Scotland was drinking 36 per cent more than the lower risk guidelines.
* For more information, visit www.count14.scot
