Many people like drinking a few alcoholic drinks, but how can you determine if the activity has become unhealthy for you? You should know that the threshold for unhealthy drinking is much smaller than you would expect if you're wondering whether your drinking habits are cause for concern.
How much alcohol should men drink?
For men, drinking four or less standard drinks on any particular day and less than 14 drinks during a given week is considered low-risk alcohol intake. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Dependence and Alcoholism (NIAAA), for a person to stay at low risk, both the daily and weekly requirements must be fulfilled.
In other words, if you are a guy who only drinks four regular drinks a day, but you drink four every day, you drink 28 drinks a week, which is double the recommended low-risk intake of alcohol.
That will, therefore exceed the requirements to drink four drinks a day four times a week.
How much alcohol should women drink?
Research has demonstrated that compared to men, women develop alcohol use disorders at lower levels of intake. For females, therefore, the requirements for low-risk drinking are lower. Three or less standard drinks a day and no more than seven drinks a week are the NIAAA guideline for low-risk drinking for women.
Again, to continue in the low-risk group, both the daily and weekly requirements must be met. If you're a woman who only has two drinks a day, but every day you have two drinks, that's 14 drinks a week, double the recommended low-risk drinking level.
When drinking becomes a habit
Lots of people drink beer, wine, and spirits without developing a drinking problem that creates harm. However, even though you may not develop an alcohol use disorder, your alcohol use can also place your health and well-being in jeopardy.
How much alcohol at a healthy amount can you drink and yet be considered a low-risk drinker? How much intake of alcohol will put you in the high-risk group?
Fewer than 2% of people who drink alcohol under the defined standards ever develop alcohol use disorders, according to comprehensive studies by the NIAAA.
It is a smart idea to gauge the current level of drinking and determine whether you consistently exceed the low-risk drinking guidelines. You might consider cutting back or totally quitting alcohol. Do not wait to get treatment if you feel that your relationship with alcohol interferes with your mental health and well-being.
