Alcoholism is a serious problem for many people, and it has been for hundreds of years. Even during the days of prohibition, when alcohol was an illegal substance, there were alcoholics. Science has shown that drinking alcohol like wine in moderation has some health benefits. But what about excess? How many drinks are too many? Could your drinking benefit from an alcohol detox program?
Moderation is Relative
The answer depends on the person. In general, men and women can tolerate different amounts of alcohol with the same effects. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, up to one drink, a day for women and up to two drinks for men qualifies as moderation. The reason men and women have different recommendations is that men tend to metabolize alcohol faster due to higher levels of the enzyme ADH in their stomach and liver.
Weight is another factor that determines how many drinks are considered to be moderate.
Blood alcohol readings will vary according to sex and weight. A BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.02 to 0.04 is typical of one standard drink. At this level, light to moderate drinkers may feel some subtle effects. Some people have built up a tolerance to alcohol. Those who drink heavily or more frequently tend to need more alcohol to feel its effects.
Binge and Heavy Drinking
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), defines binge drinking as drinking 5 or more drinks (men) or 4 or more drinks (ladies) on occasion or within a few hours of one another at least once in the past month. And heavy drinking is binge drinking more than 5 times in the past month. These definitions may be surprising if you feel that you have your alcohol use under control or that you are a moderate drinker.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a problem drinking that becomes severe. It is a chronic condition that is characterized by compulsive alcohol use, the inability to control alcohol intake and a negative emotional state when not drinking. With treatment, AUD and any other problem drinking can be helped and new healthier behaviors can be learned.
One Drink is Too Many
For some people, one drink is too many. This is not because they will strongly feel the effects in most instances, either. The biggest reason why one drink is too many is alcoholism. Alcoholics have a hard time knowing when to stop, which is why even one drink is too many. Anyone who is driving, pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or on certain medications should also stay away from alcohol.
Even if you think you know your limits, if there are times that you don’t have any memory of events because of your drinking or if you have vomited due to drinking or if you drink more than 3 or 4 drinks in a day most days of the week, it may be helpful to consider seeking treatment.
About Jammie Morey
Speak Your Mind