Weight gain, bad skin and the risk of making a fool of yourself... getting drunk isn't always a party.
Here are seven reasons why booze is bad for you:
1. You'll put on weight. Alcohol is stuffed with calories: a pint of beer or cider is about 230 calories; an alcopop is around 200; a single (25ml) of spirits is 50kcal; a large glass of red or white wine (250ml) is 160kcal. Try this calculator to find out how many calories are in other alcoholic drinks.
2. It can give you bad skin.
3. It can make you depressed.
4.You're more likely to have unprotected sex and contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) when you’re drunk. They don’t call them ‘beer goggles’ for nothing.
5. You could fall off things, or get run over.
6. If you’ve passed out from drink or drugs, it’s easier for someone to rob, attack or sexually assault you.
7. You're at risk of having your drink spiked with ‘date rape’ drugs. Don’t accept drinks from strangers, and don’t leave your drink unattended (take it with you to the loo or the dancefloor). If your drink has been moved, looks topped up or tastes strange, don’t risk it: get another one.
Drinkline
Find out more about the hidden risks of social drinking.
Worried about binge drinking? Call Drinkline on 0800 917 8282 (open 7am-11pm Mon-Thurs and 24 hours on Fri-Sun). Or textphone 0800 027 4114 (for callers who are hearing-impaired).
