Drinking small amounts of alcohol doesn't often cause problems but drinking too much can be extremely harmful. Do you know how alcohol can affect your body and have you ever thought about how being drunk can affect those people around you?

How much is it safe to drink?

• Men should drink no more than 21 units of alcohol per week and no more than 4 units in one day
• Women should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week and no more than 3 units in one day.

It is important to be aware that the alcohol content of drinks can be very different. Some stronger beers, lagers and ciders can contain as many as 3 units of alcohol per half pint.

The size of drinks makes a big difference. When you have a drink at home, especially wines and spirits, the measures may be quite a bit more generous than pub measures.

Click here to find out how much one unit of alcohol is

The best way to stay healthy is not to drink more than the recommended daily limit but also try and have at least two alcohol-free days a week.

If you are worried about your own drinking or if you would just like more information, visit these websites:

• Drink check
• Drink aware
• The truth about booze website is specifically aimed at young people.

Are you affected by other people's drinking?

It can be difficult to tell when 'normal' social drinking becomes 'problem' drinking especially when the drinker may deny they have a problem. It is estimated that for each problem drinker in the UK, three or four other people are directly affected and many more suffer indirect harm (source APAS). If you are affected by someone else's drinking then there are places that you can go for help.

Al-Anon Family Groups have a national telephone helpline on 020 7403 0888, available from 10am until 10pm, 365 days a year or email enquiries@al-anonuk.org.uk

Apas – call 08457626316 or email apas@apas.org.uk

• Addiction
• Alcohol concern
• Nottingham Domestic Violence