If you consume more than the advised limit of 14 units per week, you’re putting yourself in danger.

According to Dr Elizabeth Rogers, Associate Clinical Director from Bupa Health Clinics, if you drink more than this on a regular basis, you’re putting your heart, liver, and digestive system at risk.

Despite this potential danger, she claims that your liver has the ability to heal and restore itself.

She emphasized that if you drink more than five units per day for two to three weeks, you are at a higher risk of developing liver disease.

“Regularly drinking too much alcohol can damage your nerves and affect the levels of messenger chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain.

“This can lead to problems with memory, eyesight, balance and coordination, and how sensations including pain are felt around your body”, she said.

Excessive drinking can lead to further problems, according to Dr. Rogers. Drinks like Champagne and Prosecco, for example, can disintegrate tooth enamel due to their high acidic content, increasing the risk of tooth erosion.

You can harm your nerves and disrupt the amounts of messenger chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain if you drink too much alcohol on a regular basis.

“This can lead to problems with memory, eyesight, balance and coordination, and how sensations including pain are felt around your body. 

“Drinking more than usual can negatively affect your mental health, too. Alcohol alters the chemistry in your brain and can increase your risk of getting anxiety and depression”, Dr Rogers said.

Signs to look out for

When you drink on a daily basis, you run the risk of drinking too much; one glass of wine is unlikely to be enough if you’re doing it every night.

It’s best not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol in a week, according to guidelines. Both men and women are affected in the same way.

It’s difficult to tell when you or someone you care about is drinking too much, but Dr. Rogers says there are several signs to look for.

She added: “Watch out for feeling constantly tired, regularly experiencing hangovers, sweating a lot, and having regular headaches, as these are all signs you’re drinking too much.

“Watch out for psychological changes too, such as feeling anxious, experiencing mood swings and intensely craving alcohol.”

There are strategies to stay on top of your drinking, according to Dr. Rogers, but you should avoid ‘saving up’ your alcohol units for one huge binge.

And these should be spread out over the course of the week.

“Spread your drinking over a few days and where possible, aim for 3-4 alcohol-free days each week. Remember that 14 units a week is a limit, not a goal!”

““Mindful drinking” is the practice of being aware of why and how much alcohol you drink. It often leads to healthier relationships with alcohol and less consumption. 

“It’s a simple trend to adopt – to practice mindful drinking, pause before each new drink and ask yourself why you’re drinking. From asking how it feels to drink this alcohol to if you feel good, all these simple techniques can improve your relationship with alcohol”, she added.

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