Is Alcohol a Problem for You?

If you don't have a drinking problem, it's probably safe for you to drink a limited amount of alcohol without affecting your health. A sensible drinking limit for people who don't have a problem with alcohol is:

• For men, no more than two drinks per day
• For women, no more than one drink per day
• For people more than 65 years of age, no more than one drink per day

Experts define “one drink” this way:

• One 12-ounce can of beer or bottle of wine cooler
• One 5-ounce glass of wine
• One jigger (shot) of hard liquor (1.5 ounces)

Each of these drinks has about the same amount of pure alcohol in it.

• Have your family or friends ever complained about your drinking?
• Have you been late to or absent from work because of hangovers?
• Have you ever driven after drinking?
• Have you had trouble with the law after drinking?
• Have you gotten into a fight after drinking?
• Do you drink even when you don't feel well?
• Has your doctor told you that you have health problems related to drinking?
• Have you ever tried to quit drinking?
• Have you ever had a blackout while drinking?
• Do you sometimes have a drink in the morning to stop your hands from trembling or to ease a hangover?
• Do you end up drinking more than you meant to drink?
• Have you stopped doing things you used to do because you would rather drink?
• Do you drink more than you used to drink?

If you said yes to any of these questions, drinking may be a problem for you. If you have any problems with alcohol, ask your doctor how much alcohol is safe for you.