Alcohol Abuse
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says a safe level of drinking is up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and senior citizens. The institute defines one drink as one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one five-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.
The institute points out that the following people should not drink at all:
- women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
- people who plan to drive or engage in other activities that require alertness and skill (such as using high-speed machinery)
- people taking certain over-the-counter or prescription medications
- people with medical conditions that can be made worse by drinking
- recovering alcoholics
- people younger than age 21.
If you think you might have a drinking problem, the institute suggests you answer the following 4 questions:
- Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
- Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
One "yes" answer means you might have a problem with alcohol; more than one "yes" indicates its very likely you have a drinking problem.
To seek help for a drinking problem, call your health care provider or 1-800-662-HELP for information on alcohol abuse and referral to a treatment center.
Learn more about alcohol abuse online at: