Healthy drinking, for adults of legal drinking age who choose to consume alcohol, means drinking in moderation, if at all.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture, the definition of moderate drinking is:
- For men: 2 drinks or less in a day.
- For women: 1 drink or less in a day.
It's important to understand that "healthy drinking" can also mean choosing not to drink at all. The Dietary Guidelines do not recommend that individuals start drinking alcohol for any reason, even if they are of legal drinking age.
Understanding "One Drink"
What constitutes "one drink" can be misleading. Standard drink sizes are as follows:
| Alcoholic Beverage | Amount | Approximate Alcohol Content |
|---|---|---|
| Beer (regular) | 12 oz | 5% |
| Wine | 5 oz | 12% |
| Distilled Spirits | 1.5 oz | 40% |
Factors to Consider
It's crucial to remember that even moderate drinking may not be appropriate for everyone. Several factors can influence the risks and benefits of alcohol consumption, including:
- Age: Younger individuals are more susceptible to the negative effects of alcohol.
- Health conditions: Certain medical conditions can be exacerbated by alcohol consumption.
- Medications: Alcohol can interact negatively with some medications.
- Family history: A family history of alcoholism can increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women should abstain from alcohol entirely.
- Breastfeeding: It's generally recommended to avoid or minimize alcohol consumption while breastfeeding.
Key Takeaways
- Healthy drinking for those who choose to drink means moderating alcohol consumption.
- Moderation is defined as up to two drinks per day for men and up to one drink per day for women.
- Many factors influence whether or not drinking is healthy for an individual.
- Abstaining from alcohol is always a healthy choice.
