Average alcohol consumption in Lanarkshire is the second highest in Scotland with around 23 per cent exceeding the recommended weekly limit.

If you’re a man who has more than four units a day – two pints of normal strength beer – or a woman who has over three units – about a standard glass of wine – then you’re part of this group.

Eleanor McDermott from the Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership said: “There is still evidence that many people underestimate the effects of their alcohol use, and the potential harm that they might do.

“People often think a couple of glasses a wine over dinner is acceptable. But, these days, those two glasses of wine will often be larger measures than in the past, and could easily add up to half a bottle.

“Half a bottle of standard (12 per cent) wine is around 4.5 units.

“Drink that on four or five nights a week and it takes women well over the weekly recommended drinking levels, and takes men to the top end of the recommended level.”

It’s also important to have at least three alcohol free days a week.

If this is something you are failing to achieve, you need to look at your alcohol habits immediately.

For more on alcohol awareness visit: www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk/HealthyLiving/alcohol