Overview

• Dr Bhavini Shah’s thresholds show that one unit of alcohol (10 ml/8 g) matches the average adult’s hourly processing capacity.
• Consumption of one to two units raises heart rate, dilates blood vessels and induces a mild sociable buzz.
• Intake of four to six units impairs reaction time and decision-making areas of the brain, increasing the risk of poor judgment.
• Around eight units trigger hangover symptoms, ten units cause marked coordination loss with nausea and dehydration, and twelve units pose a high risk of alcohol poisoning.
• The NHS recommends limiting regular consumption to no more than 14 units per week spread over at least three days, with binge drinking defined as eight units for men or six units for women, and experts advise hydration, balanced nutrition and using tools like the CAGE test to identify hidden dependency.