How Much Alcohol Is Too Much to Drink?

man drinking with a bunch of bottles, how much alcohol is too much

Do you ever wonder how much alcohol is too much? Whether you’re worried about a loved one or your own personal drinking habits, there is no simple answer. However, it’s possible to add some perspective whether you or someone you know has a problem with drinking excessively.

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Understanding That Drinking Comes in Various Forms

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) recognizes binge drinking, heavy drinking, and alcohol dependency as the following:

Binge drinking - According to these guidelines, binge drinking is a pattern that requires the consumption of four or five drinks for women or men respectively. Individuals falling into this category usually drink this amount of alcohol over a two-hour span. If this behavior occurs once in a 30-day period, you or a loved one fits the profile of a binge drinker.
Heavy drinking - If this individual binges five times in a period of 30 days, they now meet the criteria of heavy drinking.
Alcohol dependence - Alcoholism is a chronic condition that makes it impossible for the sufferer to control the consumption of alcohol. Changes in the brain’s chemistry, as well as adverse physical responses to substance withdrawal, result in intense cravings. Dependence on alcohol goes hand in hand with feelings of guilt, denial and the desire to hide the problem from others.

So, How Much Alcohol Is Too Much?

Remember that each person is different. What will have little effect on an otherwise healthy individual with a normal body weight may cause significant problems for another person with existing health problems. Those who require prescription drugs for a variety of conditions may also find that these medications can mask the effects of the alcohol, which gives the consumer a false sense of still being within safe limits.

Another consideration is the quantity of alcohol you or a loved one consume, as defined by the standard drink description. For example, did you know that a standard drink contains 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol? This quantity looks different in different types of alcoholic drinks. You might find it in a 12-ounce glass of beer or a five-ounce glass of wine. It’s also present in a 1.5-ounce glass of vodka. As you can see, a drink isn't always the same, depending on the alcohol content and the quantity poured.

Is It Time for a Change?

After reviewing the information on how much alcohol is too much, you may feel that it’s time for a change. If you have trouble with your resolve to limit your alcohol intake, you have options. An intensive outpatient rehabilitation program is affordable and presents a customized approach for those with a less severe dependence. Don’t let addiction control your life.

Substance Addictions Treated At San Antonio Recovery Center

At San Antonio Recovery Center, we treat a wide variety of substances. No matter what substance you've abused, we're ready to help you start your road to recovery. From alcohol to cocaine to prescription drugs, San Antonio Recovery Center has the treatment you need to succeed. Substance addictions treated at San Antonio Recovery Center include but aren't limited to:

In fact, you can overcome your addiction, or help a loved one to succeed in this goal, by going to a quality drug rehab center. Contact San Antonio Recovery Center today at 866.957.7885, and our caring staff will help you get on the road to recovery.