Is 20 units a week a lot?

[CTL78]

I have constant concern about alcoholism as my Mum was a functioning alcoholic who died of metastatic breast cancer when she was 52. I enjoy a couple of glasses of wine, and my husband and I often go out for a meal and share a bottle. I use a tracking app as I don’t want my consumption to creep up. I do drink over the recommendation of 14 units but the most I’ve ever logged is 23.5 and that was a week of Christmas parties. I tend to average around 18-20 a week. I’m 39, slim and active, although my diet could be better. Should I be trying to cut down? I’ve spoken to close friends and family who all tell me I’m worrying about nothing and that most people are drinking about the same as me but I’m not sure. Thanks x

[AyrshireK]

There is a reason why the government and NHS set a recommended weekly alcohol limit because drinking in excess of the guidelines especially doing so on a regular basis is potentially hazardous to your health. Some people might 'get away with' drinking lots BUT there is potential that if you have a propensity for liver ill health then you could be doing yourself a real risk of harm.

The NHS page on Alcohol Units is worth a read :- nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pag...

Also worth checking out the British Liver Trust guidance on Alcohol and the Liver britishlivertrust.org.uk/li....

I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone on this forum who would say you are fine to regularly drink in excess of the guideline limits. We've got members on here who have suffered end stage liver disease through alcohol - required transplants and we've also got members who are loved ones of those who have died through liver disease due to alcohol.

You do not need to be a person with a serious alcohol addiction to suffer liver disease. It is become more prevalent amongst 'social drinkers' and 'binge drinkers'.

We've also got members who have got liver disease having never drank and trust me they would do anything to reverse their liver damage which sadly they can't because they can't remove their causal factor. I would just ask, is it worth it?

Katie

[Hidden]

To add to what Katie has already mentioned about the government guidelines for weekly alcohol consumption. Today's Friday night culture, throws these recommendations out the window, and go out with only one purpose in mind and that is to party and get off their faces on alcohol. These people are both deaf and blind to the dangers of their actions, "Alcohol problems are what old people get, so until then, party on", seems to be their edict.

CTL,78, you'll find people on this site who are in their twenties who now have liver problems caused by alcohol. I'm not against people going out and having a good time and having fun. But, the law of the universe says, "For every action, there is a reaction". It's about awareness and being responsible.

The other thing I would point out, is that there has been a lot of research over the years into possible behaviour links that are genetically passed down from our parents. Some call this the Alcohol gene. You might be interested in an article published in the Daily Mail back in December 2014: dailymail.co.uk/health/arti...

While there maybe some truth in this, I think at the end of the day, it's OUR choice as to weather we take that drink our not. For someone to be able to say, "Oh, it's not my fault I have a drink problem, I inherited it from my parents" would just be a cope out.

I have included a video on my website called, "The Scarred Liver" it's a bit of an eye opener as these are stories of normal people leading normal lives, who in their own words, "I just didn't know". This is a YouTube video which is best viewed with sound on and one full screen: taep.eu/index-f.htm

I hope this makes some sort of sense.

Good Luck.

[Faithfull in reply to Hidden]

I understand that that completely as your right I have ADHD as well as multiple diagnosed lifelong illness .been told alcoholic cirrhosis now I'm told no no cirrhosis what is happening the confused more confused sorry I was rude to you before on her but I been pariniod as of all the wrong doing of this life

[7265sunlower in reply to Faithfull]

I was told the same in 2012 i had cirrhosis then 5 years only it was only suspected cirrhosis and i have fatty liverdue to alcohol my head is all over the place at the moment ,so i hope people who are worse off than me find the answers too ,life is a mystery i have abused it now iam paying the price.stay strong faithfull you sound like a lovely person and i wish you well xx

[Faithfull in reply to 7265sunlower]

Stay strong together as its so Lonely in this battle of hell I've avoided my body to the full and yes I'm paying the price but I'm so glad you read my post and I'm not being horrible but it's same as you I've got the no cirrhosis after over yr cirrhosis alcohol,drugs,but who to judge anyone as of my ADHD yes I do get confused but not when it's in letters as diagnosis my head is well u no

[Faithfull in reply to Faithfull]

I ment abused my body not avoided it well state I'm in scared to look in mirror .

[liverdiseaseOK in reply to Hidden]

Please don't quote the Daily Mail, better still don't read it.

[Hidden in reply to liverdiseaseOK]

Each to there own.

[briccolone]

My advice is to aim for 14 units with 2-3 days drink free per week. The occasional going over at xmas isn’t going to kill you. Most regular drinkers start to see problems in their 50s so bear that in mind-you might be building up problems for the future if you’re regularly going over the recommended limits. There’s a reason they reduced from 21-14 units- it’s not because they’re a bunch of killjoys! Best

[markdago1]

No 20 units a week is quite low, I don't know anyone who drinks less than 30 units and many drink over 100 units every week without any apparent side effects, the nanny state always interfering where it shouldn't

[loula76 in reply to markdago1]

@markdago1

can I ask why are you part of a Liver Trust group when you're posting advice/comments like this? I imagine an awful lot of people on here are so because of the effects of excessive alcohol!

[Faithfull in reply to loula76]

Thankyou. Well said

[Faithfull in reply to Faithfull]

To loula 76 my comment was for

[majikman in reply to markdago1]

If I said what I think of your stupid post I'd be blocked.

[AyrshireK in reply to markdago1]

The 'without any APPARENT side effects' is the important bit of your post ........ cirrhosis can be a silent illness and many people develop it before any symptoms show. We didn't know my tea-total hubby had it until he was haemorraging from a massive upper GI bleed - throwing up blood and loosing blood from his rear end. He turned a horrific shade of yellow/green and spent a week in high dependency receiving blood transfusions & we've subsequently been told how close he was to death at that point. If he could do anything to reverse his liver ill health he would have but as his own immune system is the culprit in his case and there was nothing that could have been done to predict or prevent the condition.

I refer you to the liver trust page on cirrhosis which explains -

Cirrhosis is the result of long-term, continuous damage to the liver and may be due to many different causes. The damage leads to scarring, known as fibrosis. Irregular bumps (nodules) replace the smooth liver tissue and the liver becomes harder. Together, the scarring and the nodules are called cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis can take many years to develop and can do so without any noticeable symptoms until the damage to the liver is very serious. The build-up of scar tissue can interfere with the flow of blood to your liver and stop it from functioning properly. Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure.

Every year over 4,000 people in the UK die from cirrhosis. Around 700 people have to have a liver transplant each year to survive.

The 'nanny state' as you put it is trying to reduce the numbers of people suffering from and dying of completely avoidable liver ill health. Liver disease is now the 5th most common cause of death in UK.

I think you should educate yourself instead of coming onto a support group for those with liver disease or worried about liver disease and spouting off nonsense.

[Faithfull in reply to AyrshireK]

That was so calm then noticed you was really good at keeping it nice,then end noticed how everyone feels .exept the idiot waist ing valuable time of genuine people.

How you getting on and all.

I w

[L444 in reply to markdago1]

Mark you are seriously deluded 20 units is excessive especially for women who don’t process alcohol like men if you are drinking 30 or more I can assure you you WILL have problems if you are not already having and ignoring them. I am a very experienced health professional who was brought up in the 70’s and 80’s so I partied my fill and now feeling the effects

So please don’t speak of what you don’t know and give bad and dangerous advice

[Kpexxx in reply to L444]

20 is excessive according to US guidelines which is made to be conservative on purpose. But it isnt overly excessive to the point where she should stop cold turkey

[Faithfull in reply to Kpexxx]

How do you no that every one different

[Faithfull in reply to L444]

Well said

[Hidden in reply to markdago1]

Each year in the UK, over 250,000 people are admitted to hospital solely because

of alcohol-related illnesses.

One million people are admitted to hospital with alcohol-related illness being partly responsible.

This is why The British Liver Trust supports the national guidelines and also strongly advise a minimum of two to three (48 – 72 hours) consecutive alcohol free days a week; to give your liver a time to recover.

Regularly drinking a bit more than you should, can seriously harm your liver. Just because you don’t feel the effects of drinking on your liver, it doesn’t mean that you are not risking chronic ill-health or lasting liver damage from alcohol-related liver disease.

If you are concerned about your drinking we would suggest that you discuss this with your GP.

Please see the link to our Alcohol and Liver disease publication;

britishlivertrust.org.uk/wp...

Best wishes,

BLT Admin

[Hidden in reply to markdago1]

markdago1,

Please consider your replies to posts like this and the many forum members and their families who are struggling every day with the effects of alcohol related liver disease.

The guidelines are there for a very good reason.

BLT Admin

[markdago1 in reply to Hidden]

Sorry, what guidelines have I broken?

[Hidden in reply to markdago1]

We will PM you.

[Faithfull in reply to markdago1]

Don't act like you don't no ,there you got a reaction

[Jjp80 in reply to markdago1]

I’m appalled by what I have just read. This site is for those seeking support , help and advice . I would advise if this is your opinion that you refrain from broadcasting it openly on this site

[markdago1 in reply to Jjp80]

I'm Sorry, I didn't realise I wasn't allowed an opinion on units consumed

[briccolone in reply to markdago1]

Everyone’s allowed an opinion mate it’s just that your opinion isn’t based on facts as you can see from the responses. The person who posted the original question was on this site because of quite natural concerns on alcohol and for the most part had received very sage advice.

[Faithfull in reply to briccolone]

I've put a reply but over the top but it just come out ,as I'm writing this I realized i did but if someone like me could have been given wrong meaning to all this and had just one drink thinking well I'm safe I'm on foram do you no what I mean

[Carey4 in reply to markdago1]

You really are a dumb ass.go on another site prick

[markdago1 in reply to Carey4]

Sorry I didn't realise people weren't allowed their own opinions on this site

[Faithfull in reply to markdago1]

Keep your opinion to yourself as no one really want to be told something which is bad enough detoxing cutting down cutting drink out so cut the crap

[Faithfull in reply to markdago1]

What u on here for to act out and insight a row sorry but mental health is the other degree as well as addiction as well as an diagnosis of ADHD and please don't put shit about alchol as don't chance your life and yes I can't spell

[ragdoll2 in reply to markdago1]

Of course you can't have an opinion on a fact.

[kurtymac]

Everybody, hit the nail on the head. The one thing that caught my eye was, "everybody says I'm fine, people who drink a lot more everyday". I was told the same thing about the Tylenol/Paracetamol when I was taking it for back pain. The below even the 1/4th percentage of daily consumption put me in the hospital with drug induced liver injury acute hepatitis. Not saying, this is going to happen to you by any means. Just that judging health off of other people and daily standards isn't always the best. Especially, if your exceeding those daily standards, the rule of thumb is. If you're worrying about it, then subconsciously you know you're over doing it and putting your body at risk.

[Carey4 in reply to kurtymac]

Howdy curtymac long time no see xx

[Dldtx]

Why are you asking and just what are trying to prove ? Are you asking others that are drinking or people who are not ? Are you tracking your intake because it’s healthly. I believe that when you start to question or reaching out about anything such as alcohol and drug abuse you know the dam answer. Obviously all the warnings etc and just saying hey you probably should quit isn’t working, truthfully you just want to know if your going to get sick or not and is there a Majic date or time frame or cut off date. Well there’s not everyone is different so harsh as it maybe, you can quit and already have damage that may take years to manifest but continued drinking ain’t good. My advise for you is to read what all the folks and family on this web site go through daily to survive , there struggles, hopes,pains. And ask yourself and be honest is this the club I really just can’t wait to be a apart of or not. Maybe then you can start telling us about how your day sucked. Or just stop and get yourself help if needed give your body a chance to heal, eat right,and run away from bottle before you wake up one day and Cirrhosis has set in and it’s to late and you start to see life through yellow eyes.

🤠 DLD

[L444]

While your consumption does not appear to be too excessive . I would try and cut down a bit . The UK has a prolific drinking culture. When I moved here 18 years ago I was shocked at how much people drank. Didn’t stop me from joining in though. I’m sorry I did as it has a cumulative effect. Now at age 59 I am suffering for it. So for your future health I would cut down

[AlFinio in reply to L444]

L444

The sama happened to me🙁

But also... I do realise. ..I can not blame the place where i live or people around me for my mistakes.

I've hardly drunk before...and I mean like on special occasion only....Alcohol never really had any appeal to me.

I was happy in myself and enjoyed a life without drink

But unfortunately this certain way of socialising fuelled by alkohol got hold of me.

As I said am not blaming anyone or anything but circumstances surrounding my life kind of pulled me towards drinking.

And is not that I felt I need to fit in🤗 no no no...For the first few years I haven't drunk at all...and everything was fine🤗 but afterwards I got BORED....bored of watching people drinking😤

Wherever I went ...whatever meeting I was attending. ...any social attempt ....anywhere or everywhere is alkohol involved

So I had to choices: stay indoors on my own..or join the party🤔🤔🤔

Even me😛 such a positive creature 😂😂😂happy one, can not live alone🤗 wold get mad 😂😂😂😂

So I give in....Join the club🙄🙄

And you know what L444... I was not happier😞😞😞😞 actually i started to feel depressed, first time in my life!!!!

That's way L444 I completely understand what you mean😊

Joining this alcohol fuelled world was the Most Stupid Mistake I made in my life 😤😤😤😤😤😤😤 and am paying for it now🙁

Hope you are coping in positive way L444. Show must go on🤗Life haven't finished yet, becouse we got Cirrhosis 🤗 (Mind u I got Chronic Pancreatitis as well😜)

All the best for all of you Guys

[jules45]

Hi,,i tòo was slim active and had a gòod career. Unfortunately my 20 plus units a week have given me liver failure 3 times and now cirhossis. I quit drinking and suggest You give it a go before illness creeps up on you,

Best wishes julie

[CTL78 in reply to jules45]

Wow Jules45, I'm sorry to hear that. I'm shocked that 20 units a week could make you so ill. I'll definitely be cutting down - I just love the relaxation of sitting down with a glass of wine with my husband after a long day and the kids are in bed. I've found a couple of de-alcoholised wines to try - I'll be swapping them out for the Sauvignon this weekend!

[jules45 in reply to CTL78]

Hi, i didnt want to scare you, but drinking was a relaxant to me and I don't wish my illness on anyone. You've always got the choice to have a couple of glasses as a rare treat. Take care, good luck, Julie x

[Marydel63]

I think also that genetics plays a big role. Some can drink and have no issues , some dont drink and have issues. Hang in there

[Hidden]

Hi CTL78,

You don't say if you have any diagnosis of liver issues or if your Mother had liver problems in addition to her cancer.

I can only go by what we have been told. My Father [a Psychologist} used to say that if you need a drink, even if it is only one a day, you are possibly an alcoholic - the "need" being the operative word.

My husband's liver doctor told us that despite what many people think most people with liver disease are not alcoholics.

You are concerned that your drinking is an issue. I always figure when we ourselves are worried about some behavior it is because we know ourselves and "feel" something is just not right. I think you should listen to yourself and since you have been concerned enough to even ask friends about your drinking it seems to me you would feel better if you cut down, at the least, on your drinking.

I wish you the best in the future and in deciding how you will handle this issue.

Mary

[Eurotrash]

I think you should stick to the government's recommended guidelines but if you stray now and then, that's not a huge deal. Cut yourself some slack. And also make sure if you drink a bit more than usual, you give yourself a few days without alcohol to let your liver have a rest.

[Carey4]

Wow 20 units if I could drink 20 units I'd be happy.

I'm an alcoholic binge one.On one sitting I can drink 15 tequila,2 bottles of wine,10 double vodkas.more basically killing myself.

Give me 200 pounds il drink the lot.

20 units is a lot if in one sitting but like me try to cut down.

I for example will have water in between drinks if I buy a tequila will make it stay on the bar 30 min not 2 min

Good luck but do cut down.

[CTL78 in reply to Carey4]

I couldn't do 20 in one sitting, I'd be sick. 20 over a week, with maybe 3 glasses of wine maximum in one go. Good luck with trying to cut down your intake too x

[Carey4 in reply to CTL78]

Thanks

[CTL78]

Well, so far so good. I had 4 drink-free days last week, 3 this week so far and I've stayed under 14 units. Plan to keep going!

[G1nny in reply to CTL78]

Good job, you have inspired me to do better! Thanks.