Drinking alcohol is a normal part of everyday life for many Americans. Alcohol is legal for sale and consumption across many areas of the United States, and studies suggest that the majority of adults in the country drink at least occasionally.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), alcohol is more commonly used than any other addictive substance, including tobacco. Alcohol use disorder is the most common type of substance abuse disorder (SUD) in the United States.[1]
Because alcohol is legal, accessible, and widely accepted, it can be challenging to determine when someone’s drinking behaviors have crossed the line into an unhealthy habit or addiction.
Drinking too much alcohol can cause life-threatening complications. It can lead to serious health consequences, legal problems, and other problems that affect daily functioning. Recognizing the signs of alcohol abuse and seeking treatment is critical to avoiding life-threatening complications.
This article will explore how much alcohol is too much. You will learn:
- The CDC’s definition of moderate drinking
- Possible risks and effects of heavy drinking
- How to recognize the signs of unhealthy drinking behaviors and alcohol addiction
- Where to find treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD)
If you or someone you love struggles with unhealthy drinking behaviors or needs treatment for AUD, reach out to the team at First Step Behavioral Health. Our specialists can help you find the treatment program to meet your unique needs and help you schedule an appointment.
How Much Alcohol is Too Much?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people against excessive alcohol consumption. It warns that heavier alcohol use increases the risk of severe health complications, including liver disease, certain cancers, and other chronic health conditions.
But how much alcohol is too much?
The CDC recommends consuming no alcohol or drinking only in moderation.[2] Moderate drinking means:
- One or fewer alcoholic drinks a day for women
- Two or fewer alcoholic drinks for men per day
A drink is not simply any beverage containing alcohol. Instead, it is a formal measurement people must use to track their alcohol consumption. A drink means:[3]
- 12 oz of regular beer
- 5 oz of wine
- 1.5 oz of distilled spirits like vodka, whiskey, and rum
- 8 oz of malt liquor
According to these guidelines, many standard drinks served in restaurants may contain multiple servings of alcohol. For instance, a standard pint of beer (16 ounces) contains more than one “drink.”
The CDC defines heavy drinking as consuming an amount of alcohol that exceeds their guidelines over the course of a week. For women, this means consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week. For men, this means consuming 15 or more alcoholic beverages over the course of a week.
There are other unhealthy patterns of drinking, including binge drinking. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as:[4]
- Four or more alcoholic drinks within 2 hours for women
- Five or more alcoholic beverages within 2 hours for men
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, binge drinking can rapidly raise blood alcohol levels. This unhealthy behavior can put people at increased risk for injuries, accidents, sexual assaults, and alcohol poisoning.
Ongoing heavy drinking is associated with a higher risk of developing alcohol addiction. It is essential to recognize the signs of heavy drinking and take steps to get help if you cannot stop drinking on your own.
Recognizing Alcohol Abuse and Addiction
Heavy drinking and other unhealthy patterns of alcohol consumption can lead to short and long-term problems. Research from the National Institute of Health (NIH) shows that over 25% of adults in the United States reported binge drinking in the previous month. About 6% reported drinking heavily over the same period.[4]
Several factors can increase your risk of alcohol abuse or addiction. These include family history, environment, history of trauma, mental illness, and other factors. However, anyone who drinks alcohol may develop an addiction to it. Recognizing the signs of alcohol abuse and addiction can help you seek treatment as soon as possible.
Some signs of alcohol abuse and addiction include:[5]
- Regularly drinking more than you intended to
- Discovering you need to drink more to feel the effects of alcohol or be able to drink a lot without feeling or appearing intoxicated
- Experiencing legal, financial, or social trouble related to your drinking
- Being secretive or lying about your drinking
- Experiencing significant changes in your sleep patterns, appetite, appearance, or mood
- Taking risks while drinking, such as having unprotected sex or driving while intoxicated
- Neglecting your hobbies, relationships, or responsibilities at work or school because of your drinking
- Continuing to drink even though you’re drinking is hurting your health, relationships, or other parts of your life
- Experiencing cravings for alcohol
- Having withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking
Heavy drinking can spiral into a life-threatening addiction that requires intensive treatment. Seeking treatment as early as possible gives you the best chance to recover fully.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Alcohol addiction is a medical condition requiring comprehensive treatment and ongoing support.
Contact the First Step Behavioral Health Specialists to learn about our alcohol abuse treatment programs. you can reach out with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Alcohol
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About Moderate Alcohol Use
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): What Is A Standard Drink?
- NIAAA: Drinking Levels and Patterns Defined
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Alcohol Use Disorder
