Excessive alcohol consumption includes binge drinking and heavy drinking of any type of alcohol. This applies to both men and women, regardless of whether they are over or under the age of 21, with pregnant women and individuals under 21 representing the highest risk groups. Excessive drinking can be compared to the most common forms of overeating.
Binge drinking, the most common form of excessive alcohol use, is defined as:
-
For women: 4 or more drinks on a single occasion.
-
For men: 5 or more drinks on a single occasion.
Heavy drinking is defined as:
-
For women: 8 or more drinks per week.
-
For men: 15 or more drinks per week.
Most people who drink excessively are not alcoholics. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as no more than 1 drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men. These guidelines do not recommend that non-drinkers start drinking for any reason. Drinking less is always better for your health than drinking more.
Who should not drink alcohol?
Some people should avoid alcohol entirely, including:
-
Individuals under the age of 21.
-
Pregnant women or those who may be pregnant.
-
Individuals who are driving, plan to drive, or are engaging in activities that require skill, coordination, and alertness.
-
People taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause side effects when mixed with alcohol.
-
People with medical conditions that can be worsened by alcohol consumption.
-
Individuals recovering from alcoholism or those unable to control their drinking.
Short-Term Health Risks
Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that increase the risk of many adverse health outcomes. Most are a result of binge drinking and include:
-
Injuries: Motor vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, and burns.
-
Violence: Homicide, suicide, sexual violence, and intimate partner violence.
-
Alcohol poisoning: A medical emergency resulting from high blood alcohol levels.
-
Risky sexual behavior: Unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners, which can lead to unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV.
-
Pregnancy complications: Miscarriage, stillbirth, or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
Long-Term Health Risks
Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to chronic diseases and other serious problems. It can affect oral health, the throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon, and rectum, increasing the risk of six types of cancer: mouth and throat, esophagus, colon and rectum, liver, and breast (in women). All alcoholic beverages, including red and white wine, beer, and spirits, are linked to cancer.
Other long-term risks include:
-
Learning and memory problems: Including dementia and poor school performance.
-
Mental health problems: Such as depression and anxiety.
-
Social problems: Family issues, work-related problems, and unemployment.
-
Alcohol use disorder or alcoholism.
Reduce these short- and long-term health risks by not drinking too much. The more you drink, the higher your risk of developing cancer.