Many Americans drink alcohol at least occasionally. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans say that adults of legal drinking age should either not drink or drink in moderation. Drinking less is better for your health than drinking more. Also, there are some people who should not drink at all.
If you are going to drink, it’s important to know how alcohol affects you and how much is too much.
Before we begin: Many people drink alcohol. Drinking too much can take a serious toll on your health. It’s important to know how alcohol affects you and how much is too much.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about alcohol. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
How does alcohol affect the body? Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. This means that it is a drug that slows down brain activity. It can change your mood, behavior, and self-control. It can cause problems with memory and thinking clearly. Alcohol can also affect your coordination and physical control.
Alcohol also has effects on the other organs in your body. For example, it can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. If you drink too much at once, it could make you throw up.
Why are the effects of alcohol different from person to person? Alcohol’s effects vary from person to person, depending on a variety of factors, including:
How much you drink
How often you drink
Your age
Your sex
Your genetics
Your overall health
Whether or not you have a family history of alcohol problems
What is moderate drinking?
For most women, moderate drinking is no more than 1 standard drink a day
For most men, moderate drinking is no more than 2 standard drinks a day
Even though moderate drinking may be safe for many people, there are still risks. Moderate drinking can raise the risk of death from certain cancers and heart diseases.
What is a standard drink? In the United States, a standard drink is one that contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in:
12 ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol content)
5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol content)
1.5 ounces or a “shot” of distilled spirits or liquor (40% alcohol content)
Who should not drink alcohol? Some people should not drink alcohol at all, including those who:
Are in recovery from an alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Are are unable to control the amount they drink
Are under age 21
Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
Are taking medicines that can interact with alcohol
Have medical conditions that get can worse if you drink alcohol
Are planning on driving
Will be operating machinery or doing activities that require skill, coordination, and alertness
If you have questions about whether it is safe for you to drink, talk with your health care provider.
What is excessive drinking? Excessive drinking includes binge drinking and heavy alcohol use:
Binge drinking is drinking so much at once that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is 0.08% or more:
For men, this usually happens after having 5 or more drinks within a few hours.
For women, it is usually after about 4 or more drinks within a few hours.
Heavy alcohol use means:
For men, having more than 5 drinks on any day or more than 15 drinks per week.
For women, having more than 4 drinks on any day or more than 8 drinks per week.
Binge drinking raises your risk of injuries, car crashes, and alcohol overdose. It also puts you at risk of becoming violent or being the victim of violence.
Heavy alcohol use over a long period of time may cause health problems such as:
Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Liver diseases, including cirrhosis and fatty liver disease
Heart diseases
Increased risk of certain cancers
Increased risk of injuries
Heavy alcohol use can also cause problems at home, at work, and with friends. But treatment can help.
NIH: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Also known as: Drinking.
Related topics: Alcohol Consumption, Drinking.
Categories: Substance Use and Disorders, Food and Nutrition.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Key Takeaways
Understanding alcohol is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.