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What are the UK & US alcohol consumption guidelines?
What are the UK & US alcohol consumption guidelines?
David Henzell avatar
Written by David Henzell
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Let me help clarify the drinking guidelines from both the UK and US - they take slightly different approaches but share common goals for supporting wellbeing:

UK Guidelines:

  • No more than 14 units per week for both men and women

  • Spread drinking over 3+ days if drinking regularly

  • Have several alcohol-free days each week

  • No "safe" drinking level during pregnancy

US Guidelines:

  • Women: Up to 1 standard drink per day

  • Men: Up to 2 standard drinks per day

  • No drinking recommended during pregnancy

  • Adults under 21: No alcohol consumption

Important Context:

  • UK focuses on weekly limits

  • US emphasises daily limits

  • Neither country suggests drinking is "safe"

  • Both recommend alcohol-free days

Remember:

  • These are guidelines, not targets

  • Individual tolerance varies greatly

  • Guidelines don't account for personal circumstances

  • Lower consumption generally means lower risk

Worth Noting: Both countries continue to research and update their guidance as new evidence emerges about alcohol's health impacts. The trend has been toward recommending lower consumption levels over time.

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