Drink Better is Shetland's long-term vision for a future where alcohol is consumed for its taste and quality, and not as a catalyst for drunken behaviour. Many social occasions and events in Shetland (as elsewhere) revolve around entertaining, having a good time, and often, having a few drams. Up Helly Aa, the Simmer Dim Bikers Rally and Xmas Festivities are Shetland traditions that are enjoyed immensely by Shetland residents and visitors alike that can often involve alcohol as an integral part of the festivities.

Rather than focussing on negative aspects of alcohol consumption, Drink Better aims to embrace the positive culture of drinking; we want a culture where people 'drink better', where the 'good stuff', the 'nectar of the gods', is celebrated and not demonised.

Drink Better wants to get the following messages across to the Shetland poplulation:

- Drink a bit less on each occasion
- Sometimes don't drink at all
- Drink better quality products
- Drink in the right context - not as the main activity
- Drink for the right reasons, not to drown your sorrows
- Respect those who choose not to drink at all

The Myths

Myth: It's safe to drive. I've only had a couple of pints.
This is the most dangerous myth of all. One in three drivers killed in the UK in driving accidents is over the legal limit; And remember, you can still have alcohol in your system the next morning.

Myth: Alcohol warms you up on a cold day.
It might give an immediate sensation of warmth, but this is because the alcohol dilates your small blood vessels. This allows the warm blood to get closer to the surface of the skin. Unfortunately this also means that the blood gets cooler, and therefore, ultimately alcohol cools you down.

Drink Better always runs its responsible host promotion over the festive period. Xmas involves alcohol, partying and having a good time! To make sure you and your guests enjoy yourselves and return home safely read the 8 Top Tips for Responsible Hosting.

• Don’t drink too much. As the host, you can stay on top of the situation and avoid potential problems when you are able to think clearly and act quickly

• Find out what kind of transport your guests will be using and make sure they can get home safely
or…
Be prepared to consider taking away the car keys and to put people up for the night, if necessary

• Consider how to deal with guests who drink too much

• Don’t push alcohol on anyone who chooses not to drink or switches to a non-alcoholic beverage, especially those driving.
Being a good host is not about how many drinks you pour

• Make sure there are enough tables and surfaces where people can put their drinks. People tend to drink more—and more quickly—when they have to hold their glasses all the time
A good host is moderate with their measures

• Serve snacks with drinks and always have food available throughout the party so that people don’t drink on an empty stomach. Avoid serving salty, sweet or greasy snack foods, which make people thirstier

• Always provide low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of mixers

For further information on Drink Better please contact Margaret Birrell, Health Improvement Practitioner on (01595) 743089

Know your limits

How many units in a drink?

Daily Guidelines are:

2-3 units for women
3-4 units for men
With a couple of alcohol-free days in between

Traditionally, one unit was equivalent to a half pint of beer, a small glass of wine or one shot of spirits. However, with the ever-increasing strength of drinks, particularly wine, it is now more difficult to calculate drink strengths. It is worth considering that:

• Wine is now served in 175ml glasses at roughly 13% alcohol by volume (abv), sometimes stronger, this is close to 2.5 units
• Spirits are now often served in 35ml measures which makes a measure of 40% abv spirits closer to 1.5 units
• Beer and lager was commonly 3.5% abv in the past, but now is closer to 5% abv, making a half pint of beer or lager nearer 1.5 units. Bottled beers, although less volume, or often stronger in alcohol content too

Browse our alcohol awareness resources: