The facts
Fact: Alcohol is a depressant drug. It can make you aggressive and argumentative. It can make you lose coordination and self-control - this can mean that you do things you would not normally do.
Fact: There is also a limit to how much alcohol your body can cope with. See alcohol misuse for more information about how alcohol can put a strain on your body.
Fact: Every year, 28,000 people in the UK die as a result of their alcohol consumption.
Fact: 40% of household fires are linked with people who have been drinking alcohol.
Fact: In the UK, 500 people are killed every year as a result of drinking and driving.
Fact: Alcohol is estimated to be a factor in 30% of drownings.
Fact: About 1,000 children aged under-15 are admitted to hospital each year with acute alcohol poisoning. All of them need emergency treatment.
Fact: People who have sex after drinking alcohol less likely to use condoms, which increases their risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection.
Visit sections on sensible drinking and alcohol misuse for more information.
