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Men drinking 22 units per week 'at risk' Article date: 2009-07-03 12:26:26

Scottish scientists have found that men who drink 22 or more units of alcohol each week face a significantly higher risk of hospitalisation than those who do not drink at all.

A 28-year study involving nearly 6,000 men between the ages of 35 and 64 found that those who drank over 22 units per week had a 20 per cent higher rate of admissions into acute care hospitals than non-drinkers.

As little as eight units per week led to longer hospital admissions, with the length of stay tending to increase in line with a person's level of alcohol consumption.

Overall, researchers from the University of Glasgow found that men who had 22 or more weekly units had more admissions for respiratory illness and mental health problems, while non-drinkers had the highest rates of admission for coronary heart disease.

Researcher Dr Carole Hart, whose findings are published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, said: "This research illustrates the long-term impact that alcohol can have on health and health services and reinforces the case for moderation when it comes to alcohol consumption."

The NHS recommends that men do not regularly drink more than three to four units a day, while women should limit themselves to between two and three daily units.

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