Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has published a clear and practical infographic, “Alcohol & You”, to help people understand how alcohol can affect health and wellbeing. Its focus is not only on long-term risks, but also on the everyday effects many people recognise, such as poor sleep, hangovers, anxiety, spending more money than planned, and feeling worse in the morning.

The infographic highlights that drinking less can bring both short-term and long-term benefits. Cutting back can mean more energy, better sleep, improved mood, saving money, healthier weight, better-looking skin, and lower risk of high blood pressure, liver disease and cancer. It also reminds people that there is no totally safe level of alcohol, and that the more often and more heavily people drink, the greater the risk to health.

The guidance is simple and practical: do not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread drinking over three or more days, include several alcohol-free days each week, and limit how much is consumed on any one occasion. The infographic also gives a clear message on pregnancy, the safest choice is to avoid alcohol altogether. For those who want to cut down, it suggests planning alcohol-free days, choosing lower-alcohol or alcohol-free drinks, and using a drinking diary or app to keep track.

Find more from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (Wales, 2026)