00:00Christmas is synonymous with alcohol. Christmas parties, meeting up with friends and family.
00:08So it's very difficult for people to navigate that period without drinking excessively.
00:17Whether it's a work party, a family gathering or a night out with friends,
00:22there can be plenty of reasons to raise a glass over the coming weeks.
00:25But when celebrations become more frequent, so can the drinks.
00:29And sometimes what feels like just another night out can leave you paying the price the following day.
00:34It has an effect on the body as well in different ways.
00:38So for some people, it might go on to cause liver damage.
00:44For others, it might affect their nervous system.
00:49So there's lots of different ways that alcohol can affect your body.
00:54And your behaviour.
00:57I think for a lot of people, the following day after drinking, it's not only the sort of feeling physically
01:04unwell, but it's the anxiety.
01:07A lot of people are talking about that.
01:10Where in the morning, following a big drinking session, people feel very anxious, they worry, and they also quite often
01:23have the physical side effects as well.
01:27Alcohol can affect much more than just your ability to stand up straight.
01:30It slows your reactions, affects your judgment, and can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
01:36Regularly drinking too much can also increase the risk of serious health problems, including liver disease, heart disease, and some
01:44cancers.
01:44It's a depressant and for a lot of people, when they drink, they feel that it's lessening their anxiety because,
01:56you know, they feel disinhibited.
01:59But then, you know, if you continue to drink, those feelings can become greater and the anxiety will kick in.
02:08The UK Health Guidelines recommend that men and women shouldn't regularly drink more than 14 units a week.
02:16That's not a target to aim for, and the less you drink, the lower the health risks.
02:20But with different drink sizes and strengths, keeping track of those units isn't always straightforward.
02:26The 14 units is for men and women, and it's very much looking at spreading it over three or more
02:36days, having drink-free days to let your body rest from it.
02:42I mean, then it depends, the unit depends on the percentage.
02:47So, six pints of beer, 4% beer can be 14 units, and then wine, if it's 13%, six standard
03:00glasses.
03:01But, you know, it's very difficult if you're at a party or somewhere where your alcohol isn't being measured.
03:09There are some simple ways to keep a check on your drinking, setting yourself a limit before you go out,
03:15alternating alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks, choosing smaller measures, and making sure you've eaten beforehand can all help.
03:24And there's no need to feel pressured into having another just because everyone else is.
03:28I would say if you're, you know, look at alcohol-free drinks, there are so many on the market.
03:37I mean, it's big business.
03:38So, maybe look at the alcohol-free spirits, wines, beers, ciders, soft drinks, and also mocktails.
03:47I think it's really difficult when you're hanging out with people who are maybe your booziest mates.
03:55They want drinking partners.
03:57So, it's important to recognise who those friends are and maybe sort of, you know, keep contact with them to
04:06a minimum.
04:08Ultimately, it's about being more aware of what you're drinking and making choices that work for you.
04:14Whether that's setting yourself a limit when you're out and about, swapping a few drinks for alcohol-free alternatives,
04:21or taking a break from drinking altogether, all those small changes can add up to making a big difference.
04:28And if you're finding it difficult to cut down, there's help and support available.
04:34Treatment centres are absolutely vital for providing help to people with alcohol problems.
04:42Alcoholism is a life or death illness, and people will die if they don't get support.
04:48And treatment centres throughout the UK provide that support.
04:53Mount Carmel is imperative to helping people get well.
04:57And we see people get well and get on with their lives in recovery.
05:04Ask for help, you know, if you feel that your life is being affected by alcohol, you don't have to
05:11struggle, please, please ask for help.
