Alcohol, like all other drugs, carries consequences. If someone drinks too much or starts drinking alcohol too young they can do a lot of damage to their body, their loved ones and their future.

People may talk about getting hammered, blattered, having a skin full. The reality is drinking too much or binge drinking is very dangerous. Being drunk means you don’t have your wits about you and makes it hard to make sensible decisions or defend yourself. Also, if you are going to drink, you need to be aware of the danger of drink spiking.

Pure alcohol, ethyl, is colourless and clear but alcoholic drinks can come in a variety of colours, flavours and strengths. Beer, wine, spirits and alcopops contain different amounts of ethyl - alcohol so they will affect your body differently. And just because some taste sweet doesn’t mean they aren’t strong or damaging to your health.