Alcohol and Your Health: A GP Guide
Alcohol is part of social life for many people in the UK, but regularly drinking more than the low-risk guideline increases the risk of high blood pressure, liver disease, several cancers, heart rhythm problems and poor mental health.
Cutting down can bring benefits quickly, including better sleep, more energy, improved mood and lower blood pressure.
This guide explains the UK guideline, what a unit looks like, and practical ways to drink less.
These articles are intended as educational sources, not diagnostic nor taking place of a proper medical assessment. If you need help, please book an appointment with one of our GP’s.
The UK low-risk drinking guideline
The UK Chief Medical Officers advise that, to keep health risks low, men and women should:
- drink no more than 14 units a week on a regular basis
- spread drinking evenly over 3 or more days if drinking as much as 14 units
- have several drink-free days each week
- avoid alcohol completely if pregnant or trying to conceive
There is no completely safe level of drinking. The guideline describes a level at which the risk is low.
What is a unit?
One unit is 10ml of pure alcohol. The number of units in a drink depends on its size and strength. As a rough guide, 14 units is about 6 pints of average-strength beer or 6 medium (175ml) glasses of 13% wine.
Home measures are often larger than pub measures, so it is easy to underestimate how much you drink.
Units in common drinks
Approximate units in typical drinks:
Pint of beer or lager (4%)
About 2.3 units.
Pint of strong beer or cider (5.2%)
About 3 units.
Medium glass of wine (175ml, 12%)
About 2.1 units.
Large glass of wine (250ml, 12%)
About 3 units.
Single spirit (25ml, 40%)
1 unit.
Bottle of wine (750ml, 13.5%)
About 10 units.
How alcohol affects your health
Regularly drinking above the guideline increases the risk of:
- high blood pressure, stroke and atrial fibrillation
- liver disease, including fatty liver and cirrhosis
- cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, breast, liver and bowel
- anxiety, low mood and poor sleep
- weight gain
The risk rises with the amount you drink. See our guide to liver function tests. A private blood test can check your liver function.
Alcohol, sleep and mood
Alcohol may help you fall asleep, but it reduces sleep quality later in the night. Regular drinking can also:
- worsen anxiety and low mood
- affect concentration and memory
- interact with antidepressants and other medicines
Many people notice better sleep and mood within a few weeks of cutting down.
Alcohol and weight
Alcohol contains a lot of calories and can increase appetite. For example:
- a pint of beer contains around 180 to 250 calories
- a large glass of wine contains around 200 to 230 calories
- drinking often leads to less healthy food choices
Cutting down can help with weight loss and blood sugar control.
Practical ways to cut down
Small changes can make a big difference:
- set yourself drink-free days each week
- choose smaller glasses, or lower-strength or alcohol-free drinks
- alternate alcoholic drinks with water
- avoid keeping large amounts of alcohol at home
- track how much you drink with an app
Telling friends and family about your goals can also help.
If you drink heavily every day
If you drink large amounts every day and feel shaky, sweaty or anxious when you stop, you may be physically dependent on alcohol.
- do not stop suddenly without medical advice
- sudden withdrawal can cause seizures and other serious complications
- a GP can help you cut down safely
Support is available, and a GP can discuss options including local alcohol services.
When to speak to a GP
It is worth speaking to a GP if:
- you are worried about how much you drink
- you find it hard to cut down
- alcohol is affecting your mood, sleep, work or relationships
- you have symptoms such as indigestion, tiredness or yellowing of the skin
A GP can assess your drinking, check blood tests such as liver function, and help you plan changes.
Frequently asked questions
How many units of alcohol is safe?
There is no completely safe level of drinking. The UK low-risk guideline is no more than 14 units a week, spread over 3 or more days, with several drink-free days.
How many units are in a glass of wine?
A medium 175ml glass of 12% wine contains about 2.1 units. A large 250ml glass contains about 3 units.
Is it safe to stop drinking suddenly?
For most people, yes. If you drink heavily every day and get shaky, sweaty or anxious when you stop, speak to a doctor first, as sudden withdrawal can be dangerous.
Does alcohol affect sleep?
Yes. Alcohol can help you fall asleep, but it reduces sleep quality and can cause waking later in the night.
Can a GP help me cut down?
Yes. A GP can assess your drinking, check relevant blood tests, discuss support options and help you cut down safely.
Further Reading and Hub Links
Return to the Lifestyle and Preventative Medicine section, or explore the full AccessGP Knowledge Base.
If you are concerned about your drinking or would like a GP to review your liver blood tests, you can book a confidential online appointment at a time that suits you. Our GMC-registered GPs offer same-day or next-day video and telephone consultations.
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Reviewed by Dr Zamiel Hussain, GP · GMC number 7486123 (check the GMC register) · About Dr Hussain
Updated: 8 November 2026