Alcohol, smoking and vaping

Alcohol can increase breast cancer risk even at low levels of drinking. NIAAA says there is no guaranteed safe amount for anyone, and advises people who do not drink against starting for health reasons. You can ask for help to drink less without having to put a label on yourself.

What UK and US alcohol guidance says

In the UK, the NHS advises men and women not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis. If you regularly drink that much, spread it over 3 or more days. The NHS also suggests several drink-free days when trying to cut down.

A UK unit measures pure alcohol. A glass or bottle can contain different amounts. The number of units depends on both the serving size and strength. When discussing drinking with a clinician, describe the drink, its strength and the amount you pour.

US advice has changed recently. HHS released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, and its current public summary advises limiting alcohol for better overall health. NIAAA describes the recommendation as consuming less alcohol for better overall health. This differs from the UK’s numerical weekly guidance.

The UK weekly amount aims to keep risk low; it cannot guarantee safety. The breast cancer link still matters below it. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, NIAAA advises avoiding alcohol altogether; the general adult guidance does not apply in pregnancy.

Check withdrawal risk before stopping

If you have become physically dependent on alcohol, stopping overnight can be harmful. Anxiety after waking, sweating, shaking, morning nausea or vomiting can be withdrawal symptoms.

Contact your GP today (UK), or your doctor or an urgent care service (US or elsewhere), if cutting down alcohol causes sweating, shaking, morning nausea or anxiety. Get medical advice before trying to stop abruptly.

Call 999 now (UK) or 911 (US), or your local emergency number, if stopping or cutting down alcohol causes hallucinations, severe shaking or seizures.

Support for stopping smoking

Quitting smoking improves health and reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer and lung disease. CDC says it is never too late to quit. You can ask for support again if an earlier attempt did not work out.

In the UK, a local Stop Smoking Service can advise you about quitting, including vaping. In the US, CDC lists telephone quitlines and support with making a quit plan. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about available medicines, and tell them about pregnancy or other health concerns before choosing a treatment.

Where vaping advice differs

The NHS says nicotine vaping is less harmful than smoking and can help people quit. Vaping still carries risks, and its long-term effects are not yet fully known. To get the full benefit of switching, the NHS advises stopping smoking completely.

CDC says no tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are safe. It recognises potential benefit for adults who smoke and are not pregnant if vaping completely replaces smoked tobacco. Using cigarettes and vapes together is not an effective way to safeguard health.

In pregnancy, the NHS recommends licensed nicotine replacement products for quitting, while saying vaping is likely to be less harmful than smoking. CDC advises against e-cigarettes in pregnancy. Discuss your options with your midwife, doctor or stop-smoking adviser. The NHS advises children and non-smokers never to vape.

Nicotine is addictive. CDC describes signs such as cravings, difficulty stopping and needing more to feel the same effect. When someone stops nicotine, temporary withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, restlessness, sleep difficulties and trouble concentrating. Discuss these symptoms with a quitting adviser as you make a plan. Ask about support for the parts you find hardest, including the routine around smoking as well as the cravings.

Ask for help with drinking

Book a GP appointment in the UK, or see your doctor elsewhere, if drinking feels hard to control or is causing problems. NHS care can include assessment and community alcohol support. Be specific about what is happening: the amount you drink, difficulty cutting down or symptoms when you try.