If you choose to drink alcohol, the recommended limit depends on your age, sex, and other health conditions.
The CDC outline will help you figure out how much is too much for you. Pay attention to how much counts as "one drink" – it's likely less than you think!
If you're worried about your drinking, you can take this self-assessment test to assess your risk of alcohol dependence.
Consider cutting back or quitting if you:
- Are drinking more than the recommended amount
- Have medical issues caused by alcohol
- Have negative social or emotional experiences caused by drinking
- Your score on the above test indicates possible alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder
Some people can continue to drink alcohol if they're conscious about limiting how much they have. Other people need to stop drinking completely to notice the benefits.
It's hard to cut back or quit! If you reach out for help, you'll be more likely to succeed in your goal.
As a starting point, we recommend:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)'s helpline
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Other resources include medications, one-on-one therapy, outpatient treatment centers, inpatient detoxification centers, and more.
If you'd like to discuss treatment options, please let us or another medical provider know.
Alcohol is commonly used in our culture, but it can cause problems for some people. We're here to help if you want to decrease how much you drink or quit.
