How much alcohol is too much?

It depends ... it could mean drinking too much at one time, drinking too often, or both.  Alcohol abuse increases the risks of injuries, health problems, alcohol disorders, as well as academic, social and emotional problems.  If you choose to drink, it's important to be aware of how much you are drinking, whether your drinking pattern is risky, the harm that drinking too much can cause, and how you can lower your risk.

What counts as one drink?

What is low-risk drinking?

If choosing to drink, staying within these limits will reduce your risk of problems related to alcohol use:

Women: No more than 3 drinks/day AND no more than 7 drinks/week

Men: No more than 4 drinks/day AND no more than 14 drinks/week

Remember, low-risk does not mean no-risk.  Even within these limits, people can have problems if they drink too quickly or have health problems.  It’s safest to avoid alcohol if you:  
• Are under age 21
• Plan to drive a car or operate machinery
• Take medications that interact with alcohol
• Have a physical or mental condition caused or made worse by drinking
• Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant