Below is a list of some frequently asked questions. Before contacting us directly, please check this list for answers.

What is Unitcheck?

Unitcheck is a website that provides instant personalised feedback and advice on alcohol consumption. Its purpose is to monitor alcohol consumption and to offer users a source of information and advice.

Who funded the development of Unitcheck?

The development of Unitcheck has been funded by the European Research Advisory Council, the Alcohol Education and Research Council, NHS Leeds and the Yorkshire Enterprise Fellowship scheme.

Who can use Unitcheck?

Anybody can get limited access to Unitcheck by registering with a valid e-mail address. Those who belong to an organisation/institution who are currently supporting Unitcheck have complete access. If you are unsure if you are able to receive full access, or for further details on how to obtain full access, please contact unitcheck@leeds.ac.uk.

How was Unitcheck evaluated?

The Unitcheck website has been developed over four years. So far university students from five institutions from around the United Kingdom and Leeds Sixth Form students have taken part in trials to evaluate the site’s effectiveness. Details of the initial trial can be found in the journal Addictive Behaviors. For further information, please contact us on unitcheck@leeds.ac.uk.

Who do I contact if I want more information about Unitcheck?

Contact unitcheck@leeds.ac.uk.

What do I have to do to access the site?

Using a valid e-mail complete the registration process:

1. Enter your e-mail address into the registration box on the Unitcheck homepage
2. Complete the registration details and choose a password
3. Complete the relevant questions and receive your personalised feedback

What information will I be asked to give?

Questions about alcohol consumption and mental health are included. With the exception of questions on your alcohol consumption, age and gender you may opt out of any other question and still be able to continue and receive feedback. However your feedback will be much improved if your responses are as complete as possible.

How will my information be used?

All information will be stored securely and confidentiality is assured. No responses will be linked to your name or directly to your e-mail address. All data is encrypted and individual data will be seen only by relevant members of the website team. Personal email addresses will only be used to contact you as agreed and will not be given to any third party without your explicit consent.

I don't drink alcohol. Can I still use the site?

Yes, you can still use the site. We know that not everybody drinks alcohol. The site also provides information for users who don’t drink so even if you don’t consume alcohol please log on.

Why can't I register?

If you cannot register please make sure that you are following the instructions below:

1. Enter your e-mail address into the registration box on the Unitcheck homepage
2. Complete the registration details and choose a password
3. Complete the relevant questions and receive your personalised feedback

If you have followed these instructions and still cannot register successfully please contact the website team at unitcheck@leeds.ac.uk.

Why won't my login details work?

Please check your registration email to ensure that you are using the correct email address. If you have forgotten your password there is the option to request a reminder by email when you enter an incorrect password on the Log in page

Can I pass the details of this site onto a friend?

You can pass the details of the site onto your friends. To use the site they will need to register their details.

Is there a limit to the number of times I can enter the site?

You can log on as often as you like to receive personalised feedback. We ask that the first time you log onto the site you answer based on your recent drinking behaviour. On subsequent visits you can answer the questions as, for example, a friend. You may also want revisit the site to see how (if) your drinking behaviour is changing across time.

How can I accurately remember how much I drank?

Remembering accurately how much alcohol you have drank over the past week can be difficult. Keeping a daily diary of alcohol consumption can help to increase the accuracy of your reporting.

How is my feedback calculated?

The feedback is calculated based on the information that you have provided throughout the questionnaire. Further information on UK government health guidelines can be found on the Department of Health website.

Where can I find further information about alcohol consumption?

Further information on UK government guidelines and health advice can be found on the Royal College of Physicians website.

I am under 18 years of age can I still use the site?

You will still be able to access to the site and receive feedback. However please remember that the government advises that if you are aged under 18 and do drink, you should not drink on more than one day a week and should not drink more than 3 (females) or 4 (males) units on each occasion. The healthiest option for those under 18 is to not drink at all, and if children do drink it should not be until at least the age of 15.

Can I use this site instead of seeking professional attention?

The information on this site is not intended as medical advice and should only be used as a guide to understanding your alcohol use and potential health issues. This is not a substitute for professional care so if you have, or suspect you have, an alcohol related problem you should seek professional attention. It is also important to be aware that there are certain circumstances where any amount of alcohol may not be safe (e.g. while pregnant, if certain medical conditions exist, when operating a vehicle or heavy machinery, if advised to abstain from consuming alcohol). If you are unclear about whether you should be consuming alcohol please seek advice from a medical practitioner for clarification.