Going out with friends and drinking can be part of becoming more independent for some young people. It is important to recognise the effects that alcohol can have on you but also your condition.

We know that too much alcohol can have harmful effects on the body, such as the liver and brain, so it is useful to know how much is too much. In the UK the recommended maximum weekly amount is fourteen units for men and women. Information on how much 1 unit is can be found here. If you are on blood pressure medication extra care needs to be taken, as excess alcohol in conjunction with your medication can cause an extremely sudden drop in blood pressure. Excess alcohol may cause you to vomit and this will affect the absorption of your medication, it will also make you dehydrated which will affect your kidney function. It is vital not to binge drink.

Smoking and vaping is thought to have a number of effects on the kidneys, particularly by raising blood pressure. This is known to increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, partly through the hardening and narrowing of your arteries, including those in the kidneys, therefore making any kidney damage worse.

If you smoke, seek advice on how to give up. Consider asking for help from your doctor or nurse. They can often help direct you to self-management programmes, further information resources and support groups. There may also be 'Stop Smoking' clinics available in your areas which are often free of charge. There is also help online here.