Is alcohol ever the answer

How much drinking is too much?

Drinking can become a habit. You might have friends or family members who drink often, so drinking a lot might seem normal. Or you might not realize how much or how often you drink. You might not be aware of the problems that alcohol causes in your life. But the more you drink, the greater is your risk for becoming addicted to alcohol. You also have an increased chance of having health problems or other problems as a result.

You are drinking too much if you are:1

A woman who has more than 3 drinks at one time or more than 7 standard drinks a week.

A man who has more than 4 drinks at one time or more than 14 standard drinks a week.

A standard drink is :

1 can or bottle of beer [12 fl oz].

1 glass of wine [5 fl oz].

1 mixed drink containing 1.5 fl oz of hard liquor.

While some studies show that moderate drinking may have some health benefits, most doctors do not recommend that you start drinking for your heart or other health reasons. The risks of drinking alcohol usually outweigh any benefits.

Many people who have alcohol problems are successful in other areas of their lives, and they might even be able to hide their problem for years. These people often deny that they have a problem. The good news is that when people admit to themselves and others that they have a problem and make a commitment to change, most are able to cut their drinking back to a safe level or to quit altogether.