Worried about my friend.

[AniaSM]

I have a male friend. Long story short he drinks about 70 units of alcohol a week and I'm a bit worried. He says he feels fine and he's never missed a commitment due to drink but surely he's drinking a lot? Is 70 units a lot for a 37 year old male who is about 85 kg?

[bensmum]

It is a lot - about 3 times the recommended number of units for an adult male. He may feel that it is not affecting him but it can have long term effects on the health which are not always apparent until there is serious damage. Why does he drink this much? Does he know why or is it habit? There are issues which need to be addressed here but unless he accepts that it is a problem then there's not a lot you can do. Alcoholics are very difficult people to deal with but if you can stay as a friend then you will be in a good place to help should he decide he wants it.

[Maypole]

Yes, an alcoholic. There are plenty of functioning alcoholics around, take my advice and stay at arms length.

[JonnyBoy12]

Yes, this is dangerous, and he should cut down at once. The government is quite right in telling us what the limits are. They are 21 units a week for men, and 14 for women, that is units, not pints. Governments are supposed to protect people, and if they did not do that they would not be doing their job. As for pub profits, stuff that, people's health is more important than those. You can get leaflets about this matter, which I would get if I were you. I have had 2 friends both die of alcohol abuse, one at 39, and one at the age of 56, so feel strongly about this emotive issue.

[R1Geezer]

The recomended limit is complete and utter rubbish, plucked out of the air by some doctor who later admitted it was a sop to the DD laws. 5 pints a day is nothing. I know a pensioner that has more than that. In fact on a decent ****** 40units in one night is not uncommon.

[AniaSM]

I must admit an ulterior motive here. Iv seen picture of my friend when he was younger and he had a quiet amazing six-pack. id like to see it at least once.