Alcohol Information

Alcohol Overview

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that can lead to dependence and causes a significant burden of disease and death worldwide.

Harmful alcohol use is a major risk factor affecting many health areas, including maternal and child health, infectious diseases (such as HIV and tuberculosis), noncommunicable diseases, mental health, injuries, and poisonings. It also impacts progress toward global health goals like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In Ireland, a standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. Examples include a pub measure of spirits (35.5ml), a half pint of beer, a 275ml alcopop, or a small glass of wine (What is a Standard Drink?
In Ireland a Standard Drink has about 10 grams of pure alcohol in it.

Standard Drinks 12.5% ABV). A typical 12.5% bottle of wine has about seven standard drinks.

The low-risk drinking guidelines in Ireland recommend adults consume no more than 11 standard drinks per week for women and 17 for men.