New Alcohol Guidelines For NI

New alcohol guidelines have been launched in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK.

The proposals by four Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), is advising people not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week, to keep health risks from drinking alcohol to a low level.

Dr Michael McBride Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, said: "Many people drink alcohol, and most do so in ways that do not significantly put them at risk of alcohol related harm, but new evidence has emerged on the potential risks and benefits from alcohol consumption.

"That is why over the past two years, my colleagues and I have been working to produce revised alcohol guidelines. Informed by a number of expert panels, we have looked at the medical and clinical evidence, as well as the evidence around how such guidance affects behaviour.

"Individuals will make their own judgements as to risks they are willing to accept from alcohol, whether to drink alcohol, and how much and how often to drink. These guidelines should help people to make informed choices.

"They provide information on 'low risk' drinking as opposed to 'safe' or 'sensible drinking'. Recent evidence showing alcohol consumption as a cause of certain cancers means there is no level without any risk.

"While it is possible for most people to drink at low risk, equally most people can lower their long-term health risks further by drinking less than the guidelines or not at all."

There are three elements to the new Guidelines: a weekly guideline for regular drinking; advice on single episodes of drinking; and a guideline on pregnancy and drinking.

(CD/JP)