Alcohol is our favourite drug.
Socially we may use it to help us relax and alter the way we feel. Taken in moderation it presents few problems and has some benefits. Drinking less than 21 units a week for a man or 14 for a woman, is unlikely to cause problems as long as it is spread out sensibly throughout the week. A recent government report has suggested that it is sensible to limit consumption to 4 units in any one day for a man and 3 for a woman. Remember that measures served at home are commonly much larger than those in bars, and some lagers and fortified wines are much stronger than average .