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Alcohol

Also called: Drinking

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that slows down brain activity. It can change your mood, behavior, and self-control, and affect coordination and physical control. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults of legal drinking age either not drink or drink in moderation, as drinking less is better for health.

Symptoms

  • Slowed brain activity
  • Changes in mood, behavior, and self-control
  • Problems with memory and thinking clearly
  • Poor coordination and physical control
  • Raised blood pressure and heart rate
  • Vomiting (if too much is drunk at once)

Treatment

Lifestyle

  • Drink in moderation or not at all
  • Avoid drinking if you are under 21, pregnant, or have medical conditions that can worsen with alcohol
  • Do not drink if you are taking medicines that interact with alcohol
  • Do not drink if you plan to drive or operate machinery

When to see a doctor

If you have questions about whether it is safe for you to drink, talk with your health care provider.

Frequently asked questions

What is moderate drinking?

For most women, moderate drinking is no more than 1 standard drink a day. For most men, it is no more than 2 standard drinks a day.

What is a standard drink?

In the United States, a standard drink contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol. This is found in 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.

Who should not drink alcohol at all?

People who are in recovery from alcohol use disorder, cannot control their drinking, are under 21, pregnant or trying to become pregnant, taking medicines that interact with alcohol, have medical conditions worsened by alcohol, or plan to drive or operate machinery should not drink.

What is binge drinking?

Binge drinking is drinking so much at once that blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08% or more. For men, this usually happens after 5 or more drinks within a few hours; for women, after 4 or more drinks.

What are the health risks of heavy alcohol use?

Heavy alcohol use over a long period may cause alcohol use disorder, liver diseases (including cirrhosis and fatty liver), heart diseases, increased risk of certain cancers, and increased risk of injuries.

Sources

Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.