Men are more likely than women to drink alcohol excessively. According to the Behavioural Risk Factor Survey 2009 of the Department of Health, 10.3% male surveyed drink 4 days or more each week, while only 1.2% female surveyed do so.

How can I drink sensibly, or help myself to cut down?

To avoid drinking too much, you must pay attention to the followings:

Choice of alcohol:

• Know your drink and its alcohol level. Many regular beers are about 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), red/white wine 10-15% ABV, and whisky 30-40% ABV.
• Choose lower strength drinks, or mix wine with water or ice.
• Fizzy drinks (like champagne) are absorbed more quickly than flatter beverage.

Drinking behaviour:

• Take meals while drinking to slow down alcohol absorption. Do not drink with an empty stomach.
• Always make your first drink during meal a non-alcoholic one.
• Sip your drink slowly and do not gulp.
• Space your drinks with a non-alcoholic drink in between.
• Don't get into rounds.
• Set yourself a maximum number, say two alcoholic beverages, when out for the evening and stick to it.

Drinking habit:

• Keep a drinking diary and write down each day how much you have drunk(in units), and get to know what situations tempt you the most and how you can avoid them.

If you concern about your drinking, have difficulty in sticking with these tips, or feel that your drinking is getting out of hand, do not try to tackle it on your own. Seek professional advice and get help from a support group.