One of the most frequent answers a doctor hears when asking patients to quantify their alcohol consumption is “I don’t drink much, just socially”. “Social drinking” is a very ambiguous term whose definition depends on the person answering. There isn’t a medical definition for “social drinking”. In addition, the terms “alcohol abuse” and “alcoholism” are frequently used incorrectly.
There are many health consequences of drinking too much alcohol. Understanding what constitutes overuse of alcohol and its risks may help you assess your own situation objectively.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, “alcohol abuse” is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work. “Alcohol dependence” or “alcoholism” is a chronic disease. Individuals who are alcohol dependent have strong cravings for alcohol and continue to use it despite ongoing physical, psychological or interpersonal problems. They are unable to limit their drinking. It is true that long-term alcohol abuse can turn into alcohol dependence but most people who drink too much are not alcoholics.
Excessive alcohol use includes “binge drinking”, “heavy drinking”, alcohol use by those under age 21, and any alcohol use by pregnant women. “Binge drinking” is defined as alcohol consumption that raises the blood alcohol level to 0.08% or more. For most men, that would be about 5 drinks and for most women about 4 drinks within about a two hour time span.
“Heavy drinking” for men is usually considered to be an average consumption of 2 drinks a day, or more than 14 a week, and for women, 1 drink a day, or 7 a week.
Another ambiguity about alcohol consumption in doctor/patient communication is what constitutes a standard drink. It may be different in other countries, but in the U.S., it is defined as 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. That amount is usually found in any of the following:
12 ounces of beer
8 ounces of malt liquor
5 ounces of wine
or 1.5 oz. or a shot of 80 proof distilled spirits or hard liquor such as gin, rum, vodka or whiskey.
Individuals who “binge” drink or are “heavy” drinkers are at increased risk for such health issues as high blood pressure, heart disease, traffic accidents, accidental deaths, violence, sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancies, and breast cancer to name just a few.
You can determine if you may have a problem with alcohol, by taking the AUDIT survey (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test). This reliable and validated tool is easy to find on the internet. Consult with your health care professional if you need help. There are many resources available in the area. Your health will benefit!