The Public Health Agency has launched a new “Know your units” campaign in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland, aiming to raise awareness about how much alcohol people actually drink and the health risks that come with exceeding the recommended guidelines. Throughout June and July 2025, the campaign will be part of the Living Well service, offering free information and practical tools like a unit calculator wheel to help people track their drinking more accurately.

According to the PHA, the number of alcohol-specific deaths in Northern Ireland has increased by over 65% in the last decade, with 341 deaths registered in 2023 alone. These numbers highlight the urgent need for people to understand and monitor their alcohol consumption, as drinking too much increases the risk of developing a range of serious health problems. The campaign especially draws attention to risks that affect women, such as the increased likelihood of breast cancer, and encourages everyone to reflect on how alcohol may be impacting their physical and mental wellbeing.

The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend not exceeding 14 units of alcohol per week, and suggest spreading drinking over at least three days if you do drink the maximum. Community pharmacists like George Wright from Clear Pharmacy in Bangor are playing a key role in supporting this campaign. They emphasize that pharmacy teams are well placed to help people take charge of their health, offering advice, resources, and support to anyone concerned about their drinking habits.

Anyone interested can visit their local community pharmacy to get the free “Focus On Alcohol” leaflet and a unit calculator wheel, or access more resources online at www.pha.site/FocusOnAlcohol. For further support and local services, more information is available at www.drugsandalcoholni.info. With the majority of adults in Northern Ireland drinking alcohol—78% according to the latest health survey—the campaign aims to make it easier for people to stay informed and make healthier choices.

Find more from Public Health Agency (Northern Ireland, June 2025)