The short term risks of excess drinking are well known and include alcoholic poisoning, passing out and loss of memory, increased risk of unprotected sex and of becoming a victim of crime, and of course the inevitable hangover.

Prolonged abuse of alcohol causes many life threatening conditions including heart disease, haemorrhagic stroke, cancers of the liver, breast, mouth and throat as well as cirrhosis of the liver.

Most people enjoy drinking and find it a sociable and relaxing thing to do. Normally drinking sensibly leads to no harm and is compatible with a healthy lifestyle. But there are times when drinking too much - or at all - can cause problems.

For example:

DON'T

• Drink and Drive
• Operate machinery, use electrical equipment or work at heights after drinking
• Drink heavily before playing sport
• Drink more than one or two units once or twice a week if pregnant
• Drink while on certain medications - ask your Doctor if you are unsure
• Binge drink - it can lead to health and other problems