How Much Alcohol is Too Much? Drinking Levels Defined

June 17, 2022 | addiction treatment , alcohol

When Drinking Becomes a Problem

Alcohol has become a standard fixture in American culture. Whether we go out for a drink after work to decompress after a long day, celebrate the holidays with cocktails and wine, or let loose with some friends on the weekend, alcohol consumption is often associated with most occasions. While there are some individuals who are able to engage in moderate drinking where having a glass every so often will suffice, there are some who will notice that their alcohol use has increased to a regular occurrence. It can be challenging to identify when it is time to address your alcohol abuse within an addiction treatment center but if you find that your life has begun to have negative consequences due to your alcohol consumption that it is time to look deeper into your alcohol abuse within an addiction treatment center to find out what has been at the core of your substance misuse while assisting you to develop the tools to manage life’s ups and downs without the use of alcohol. There are varying levels of alcohol abuse that will help you to identify if your drinking has progressed to a problematic rate that requires the support of an alcohol rehab program

Moderate Drinking Defined

There are certain individuals that are able to engage in alcohol consumption that is moderate, meaning that you are able to control your alcohol consumption and avoid negative consequences within your personal, work, and social life. If you are a man, moderate alcohol consumption is considered to be 2 alcoholic drinks per day and, if you are a woman, it is considered to be 1 drink per day. 

Heavy Drinking Defined

Heavy drinking, otherwise known as excessive drinking, is defined as 8 drinks or more per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men. If your alcohol consumption has progressed into heavy drinking patterns, it is common for individuals to experience discord within their life with negative repercussions occurring within various aspects of their life. Engaging in heavy drinking can play a significant toll on your physical and mental health the longer that you engage in heavy alcohol consumption. 

Binge Drinking Defined

Binge drinking is defined as engaging in alcohol consumption that increases your blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 per deciliter or higher. In order to reach this level, women typically will need to drink 4 or more alcoholic drinks within 2 hours and, for men, typically 5 alcoholic drinks or more within a 2-hour time period. 

How Much Alcohol is in a Standard Drink?

Depending on the type of alcoholic drink that you consume, the amount will vary from one type of alcoholic drink to another. The amount of alcohol in standard drinks is as follows:

  • 12 oz beer contains 5% alcohol, 
  • 8-9 fl oz of malt liquor contains 7% alcohol 
  • 5 oz glass of wine contains 12% alcohol 
  • 1.5 oz shot of distilled spirits contains 40% alcohol 

Risks of Heavy and Binge Drinking

Risks associated with heavy, or binge drinking can include:

  • Alcohol poisoning 
  • Aggressive or violent behavior 
  • Relationship discord and struggles due to your alcohol consumption 
  • Increase in mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety 
  • Decrease in work or school performances 
  • Decline in physical health and immune system functioning 
  • Engaging in high-risk behavior such as illegal acts or driving under the influence 

Alcohol Rehab at DayBreak

At DayBreak, we pride ourselves on providing patients with an exceptional alcohol rehab program that supports patients in stopping drinking while understanding what has been driving their alcohol addiction and substance abuse all along. Through our effective and comprehensive methods of addiction treatment including alcohol detox and rehab programs, patients are able to heal from their alcohol use disorders while gaining the skills and clarity to develop a healthy, stable life in addiction recovery. No matter what your drinking patterns are, our team of healthcare professionals and addiction therapists will support you in safely detoxing from alcohol to move through your alcohol rehab program with a sound body and mind. 

Contact DayBreak today at (844) 695-0083 to speak with one of our compassionate team to have any of your questions answered about alcohol rehab and get started today on the journey to healing and sobriety.