Specialist alcohol nurses are appealing for people in the Bradford district to indulge in safe festive drinking over Christmas and the New Year.

With alcohol consumption in the UK estimated to shoot up by more than 40 per cent in December, health experts at Bradford District Care Trust are urging people to drink sensibly and avoid putting their health in danger.

Sue Morris, clinical nurse specialist, said during the party season it was easy to forget how many drinks you have had, but warned regular binge drinking can increase your risk of having health problems in the future.

She said: “Drinking in moderation doesn’t cause any problems. However drinking over the recommended limits can be harmful. We’re asking people to think carefully about what they drink and how much they drink.

“Temporary effects of alcohol consumption may include shaking, anxiety and damage to the stomach lining, resulting in sickness and diarrhoea. Excessive drinking on a regular basis can lead to severe long-term health problems, including liver problems, addiction and mental health problems.”

Under Department of Health recommended guidelines, men are advised not to regularly drink more than three to four units of alcohol, which is equivalent to a pint and a half of four per cent beer, and women, not to regularly drink more than two to three units of alcohol, which is equivalent to a 175 ml glass of wine.

To calculate your unit intake, visit NHS choices and use the online drinks tracker or download the NHS Drinks Tracker Application on your smartphone.

For more information about alcohol and its effects, check out Bradford District Care Trust’s “Alcohol: What you need to know” guide, available at: bdct.nhs.uk/sms