Your Health: Understanding Alcohol
The only way to guarantee that alcohol will not harm you is to abstain. If you choose to drink, it is vital to keep consumption at low to moderate levels to protect your long-term health.
What is "Moderate Drinking"?
Experts define moderate drinking as no more than:
- Men: 2 drinks per day
- Women: 1 drink per day
Understanding the "Standard Drink"
Beer, wine, and liquor all contain different concentrations of alcohol. Each of the following is considered one standard drink:
[Image of standard drink sizes for beer wine and liquor]12 fl oz
Regular Beer
(approx. 5% alcohol)
5 fl oz
Table Wine
(approx. 12% alcohol)
1.5 fl oz
80-Proof Spirits
(approx. 40% alcohol)
Health Impact and Risks
Long-Term Effects
- Organ Damage: Harms the liver, brain, heart, and nervous system.
- Cancer & Bones: Increases risk for certain cancers and brittle bones (osteoporosis).
- Blood Pressure: More than 3 drinks/day raises BP and stroke risk.
- Weight: Alcohol provides "empty" calories (100–150 per drink) with no nutrition.
Alcohol is a Group 1 Carcinogen, for many cancers. This means that even in moderate amounts, it can increase the risk of cancer.
Mental Health & Diabetes
- Depression: Alcohol is a depressant that often makes existing mood disorders worse.
- Diabetes: Never drink on an empty stomach; alcohol can cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Medications: Alcohol can make prescriptions unsafe or ineffective.
Important: When Not to Drink
Do not drink any alcohol if you:
- Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- Are driving or operating machinery.
- Are under the age of 21.
- Have uncontrolled high blood pressure or liver disease.
- Have a history of alcohol use disorder.
Getting Help
If you are having trouble cutting back or quitting, talk to your doctor. You may not be able to quit on your own, but with medical support and a plan, you can succeed. Always consult your provider if you take blood pressure or diabetes medications before consuming alcohol.