Alcohol Information

Dumfries and Galloway’s ADP is committed to addressing the variety of issues people face or problems they develop when they misuse alcohol. The ADP has a responsibility to ensure the general population are alcohol aware by developing local initiatives which increase knowledge, media campaigns, prevention education and programmes and ensuring there is a variety of treatment and support options for those who need help. This page contains some basic information about alcohol. If you require support then visit our Services Referral Page.

Alcohol Publications

 Helpful Leaflets

If you are looking for some information about making changes to your alcohol consumption click on the links below for available leaflets.

adp units

Know Your Units

Over the past 50 years, there has been a large increase in the amount of alcohol we are drinking. As a result of this, there are more alcohol related accidents, injuries and health problems. We know that alcohol is a contributory factor in a whole range of physical and mental health problems, including many cancers, depression, anxiety, stomach problems, sleeping problems, memory loss and many others.

Alcohol related problems in 2008-2009 cost Scotland more than £3.65 billion pounds and more than half of this figure was made up of the economic cost to society due to people missing work due to alcohol consumption, being less productive at work, and dying younger due to alcohol related illnesses. Although some of this cost is due to the treatment and support of people who are dependent on alcohol, a far higher proportion is due to the much greater number of people who drink more than the recommended limits.
Did you know?
  • 60% of the drinking population drink hazardously
  • 1 in 3 divorces cite excessive drinking by a partner as a contributory factor
  • 1 in 20 deaths in Scotland are estimated to occur from alcohol attributable problems
  • Approx 50% of people committing suicide since 1997 have a history of alcohol misuse.
  • Scotland has twice the rate of fire deaths than the UK that are related to alcohol
Some Helpful Information
  • Alcohol reaches the brain within 5 minutes of being swallowed
  • Alcohol leaves the body at 1 unit per hour 
  •  Alcohol is a strong drug, known as a depressant
  • Drinking alcohol dehydrates your body
  • If you are under 20 then your brain is still developing – regular drunkenness could permanently affect your developing brain