Approximately 1000 children under the age of 15 are admitted to hospital each year with acute alcohol poisoning. All of which need emergency treatment.

Drinking alcohol can be fun and that's why many of us do it. Alcohol can make you feel relaxed and more sociable. But like many things in life, drinking alcohol carries many risks.

Too much alcohol can cause damage to most parts of our bodies and can even result in death. It puts a great strain on our liver and makes us dehydrated. If you play sport but like to binge on alcohol you may think twice if you want to excel in your sport as heavy binges damage red muscle fibres you need for endurance and regular drinking increases risk of damaging white muscle fibres that are needed for sprinting and jumping.

HANGOVERS are usually the after effect we all suffer from after a heavy night drinking, this can affect people in different ways. Headaches, vomiting, feeling sick, dizziness, and tiredness.

You have to stay in control of your drinking for example, know what you're drinking, don't mix your drinks and know your limit. If you don't take or seek advice the effects can be severe, you can put weight on, have increased chances of cancer (mouth/throat) and suffer emotional and mental health problems.

For more advice, facts and information you can visit some of the websites listed at the bottom of this page.

If you are worried about someone you know or you feel you have a problem and want to talk to someone about it you can contact: Drinkline 0800 917 82 82 or AA 0207 403 0885.

You can also speak confidentially to one of Connexions Personal Advisers.

Connexions Cumbria also has a service dedicated to Drugs, Alcohol and Sexual Health advice - DASH.  Contact your local Connexions Centre on 0800 435 709 and ask for a DASH worker.