How much drinking is too much?

by **d3s3rt_force** Sat Apr 12, 2008 3:58 am

Drinking can become a habit. You might have friends or family members who drink often, so drinking a lot might seem normal. Or you might not realize how much or how often you drink. You might not be aware of the problems that alcohol causes in your life. But the more you drink, the greater is your risk for becoming addicted to alcohol. You also have an increased chance of having health problems or other problems as a result.

You are drinking too much if you are:1

* A woman who has more than 3 drinks at one time or more than 7 standard drinks a week.
* A man who has more than 4 drinks at one time or more than 14 standard drinks a week.

A standard drink is:

* 1 can or bottle of beer [12 fl oz (355 mL)].
* 1 glass of wine [5 fl oz (148 mL)].
* 1 mixed drink containing 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) of hard liquor.

While some studies show that moderate drinking may have some health benefits, most doctors do not recommend that you start drinking for your heart or other health reasons. The risks of drinking alcohol usually outweigh any benefits.

Many people who have alcohol problems are successful in other areas of their lives, and they might even be able to hide their problem for years. These people often deny that they have a problem. The good news is that when people admit to themselves and others that they have a problem and make a commitment to change, most are able to cut their drinking back to a safe level or to quit altogether.

If you think you might have a drinking problem, take a short quiz to evaluate your symptoms:

by **jh0s3ph** Sun Apr 13, 2008 5:57 am

ahuh im s0rry br0 d3s3rt but i d0n't have any ideas ab0ut drinking,all i kn0w is if y0u drink too much wine,beers,liquors,Y0U G0T DRUNK and p0ssibly y0u never remember what y0u are d0ing,thank y0ur f0r the health advis0ry br0 . . .