Alcohol is a sedative drug. In small doses (a couple of units) it makes people relaxed and more sociable. The more people drink the more likely they are to behave badly – arguing and fighting.

• A unit of alcohol is 10ml of pure alcohol.
• A 500ml can of Stella lager contains 3.2 units.
• A 500ml can of Carling contains 2.1 units.
• A 3 litre bottle of strong cider contains 24 units.
• A 70cl bottle of vodka contains 28 units.

Drinking too much in one go can lead to alcohol poisoning.
The amount needed varies from person to person. A bottle of vodka (28 units) can be enough to kill. 1000 young people under the age of 15 are admitted to hospital each year with alcohol poisoning.
The medically recommended number of units of alcohol per week is 14 units for women and 21 for men. It is illegal for people under the age of 18 to buy alcohol.
Alcohol affects young people more quickly than adults.
As a rule females can only safely drink half as much as men. So trying to keep up with the lads can be very dangerous.
Alcohol use is part of British culture but drinking too much, too often can lead to serious problems.

Alcohol and personal safety

• Spiking of drinks
• Being plied with drinks (eg treble vodka and oranges) – alcohol is the main date rape drug.
• Accepting drinks from strangers
• Getting into fights
• Not being able to get home safely