It is important for our general health that we are aware of the number of units we are drinking. Excessive drinking can lead to long term health problems.
Hazardous drinking has been associated with an increased complication rates after surgery. Common complications include postoperative infections, cardiopulmonary complications, and bleeding episodes.
Reducing the number of units you drink before your surgery may reverse some of the problems associated with alcohol- thus preventing postoperative complications.
The recommend number of units for both men and women is 14 units, that equates to two units per day.
It is recommended that you have at least two alcohol free days a week.
• For those under 18 years of age, alcohol is not recommended
• For women who are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant no more than two units per week is recommend and should be avoided in the first three months of pregnancy.
• Liver problems
• Damage to the pancreas
• Reduced fertility
• High blood pressure
• Increased risk of cancer
• Heart problems
• Memory problems
• Increased risk of injury and falls
• Anxiety and depression
• Alcohol dependency
• Harm to the unborn baby
• Impaired judgement
• Weight gain
This gives common examples but some drinks can be stronger therefore the number of units will be greater.
If you are concerned by the number of units you are drinking then it is important to speak to your GP.
Firstly, it’s fantastic for both your physical and mental health that you are considering cutting down or stopping your excessive alcohol use. Stopping or cutting down on alcohol is usually not a problem if you are drinking within the recommended limits. However, if you are using alcohol every day or more than the recommended limits (14 units a week and no more than 6 units in one sitting regularly), it is important that you do not try to cut down without speaking to your doctor first as you can be at risk of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, some of which can be dangerous.
Alcohol is a depressant drug, which means your nervous system has to work at an increased level to counteract the presence of alcohol and maintain its correct level of functioning. The body gets used to receiving alcohol at a certain level and frequency. When you cut down or stop drinking alcohol, the body continues to function at this increased level and this makes you feel symptoms we call ‘withdrawal symptoms’.
Alcohol withdrawal is different for every person. However when a person is dependent on alcohol and suddenly stops drinking there are certain recognised symptoms which they usually experience. These may include shakes, sweats, feeling sick/vomiting, difficulties with eating and sleeping, irritability, anxiety or feelings of panic. The symptoms usually occur within 4-12 hours after your last alcoholic drink and are often at their most severe 48-72 hours after your last drink. Most people start to feel better after this and most symptoms have resolved after 4 or 5 days.
Some symptoms can be severe, such as confusion, hallucinations and withdrawal fits/seizures. These only happen in a minority of cases but need urgent medical attention.
You have a legal duty to inform the DVLA immediately about any form of disability that is alcohol related. This means if you are either alcohol dependent or persistently misusing it, you must stop driving until the DVLA tells you otherwise. If you are involved in an accident and have not told the DVLA of your current medical condition then you may be prosecuted and your insurance may not be valid.
Drinkline
Free helpline: 0300 123 1110
(Weekdays 9am - 8pm, Weekends 11am - 4pm)
Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain
Free helpline: 0800 917 7650
Email helpline: help@aamail.org
Al-Anon
Al-Anon is worldwide and offers support and understanding to the families and friends of problem drinkers.
Confidential helpline: 0800 008 6811 (Open 10am - 10pm)
National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA)
Information, advice and support to children of alcohol-dependent parents and people concerned with their welfare through a free and confidential telephone and email helpline.
Free helpline: 0800 358 3456
Email helpline: helpline@
19-133 © RNOH
Date of publication: July 2019
Date of next review: July 2021
Authors:
Page last updated: 16 July 2025