Alcohol and your health

In 2003-04, over 26,000 people were admitted to hospital in Scotland with an alcohol-related diagnosis.

Everyone knows that too much drink is bad for you. But how much and how bad?

This section is full of information on how alcohol use can affect your physical and mental health immediately, as well as in the future.

You'll also find some simple Top Tips on healthier drinking and cutting down.

alcohol facts
- Where's my drink gone?Find out what happens to all the alcohol after you drink it.
- What’s in a drink? Alcohol units, strengths and volumesLearn about the alcoholic strengths of drinks and how to work it out.
- Alcohol and health: facts and figuresA round up of interesting (and alarming!) health facts about alcohol.
alcohol advice
- Sensible drinkingThe latest advice on reducing the risks to health that come with drinking alcohol.
- Top tips for healthier drinkingEasy ways to cut down and dodge unwanted drinks.
- What to do if someone is severely drunk or unconsciousEssential first-aid advice everyone should know.
alcohol effects
- Short term effects of alcoholLearn about the effects of alcohol over months and years.
- Long-term effects of alcoholLearn about the effects of alcohol over months and years.
- Alcohol and mental healthDrinking too much can cause or worsen mental health problems. Find out more here.
- Alcohol and sexual healthHow and why drinking too much can put your sexual health at risk.
- Men and alcoholFind out how alcohol affects men.
- Women and alcoholWomen are more susceptible to alcohol's effects.
- Personal safetyRead the shocking truth about how alcohol makes us prone to accidents and crime.