Alcohol's Harmful Effects on Health and Potential Loss of Life
1. Alcohol Consumption and Your Health
Drinking too much can harm your health. Exorbitant alcohol use led to approximately 88,000 deaths
for around 2.5 million years of potential life lost each year in the United States from 2006-- 2010,
shortening the lives of those who died by about three decade. Further, excessive drinking was
responsible for 1 in 10 deaths among working-age men and women aged 20-64 years. The economic
expenses of excessive alcohol consumption in 2006 were approximated at $223.5 billion, or $1.90 a
drink.
What is a "drink"?
In the United States, a conventional drink consists of 0.6 ounces (14.0 grams or 1.2 tablespoons) of
pure alcohol. Generally, this amount of pure alcohol is found in.
12-ounces of beer (5 % alcohol content).
8-ounces of malt alcohol (7 % alcohol content).
5-ounces of wine (12 % alcohol content).
1.5-ounces of 80-proof (40 % alcohol material) distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka,
scotch).4.
Exactly what is excessive drinking?
Extreme drinking consists of binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking by pregnant women
or people below age 21.
Binge drinking, the most common kind of drinking, is defined as consuming.
For females, 4 or more drinks throughout a single occasion.
For men, 5 or more beverages during a single event.
Heavy drinking is defined as consuming.
For females, 8 or more drinks each week.
For males, 15 or more beverages weekly.
Many people who drink exceedingly are not alcoholics or alcohol dependent.5.
What is moderate drinking?
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans specifies moderate drinking as no greater than 1 beverage
daily for ladies and no more than 2 drinks daily for men.4 However, there are some persons who
ought to not drink any alcohol, consisting of those who are:.
Pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
2. When mixed with alcohol, taking prescription or non-prescription medications that may cause
hazardous responses.
Younger than age 21.
Recuperating from alcoholism or are not able to manage the quantity they drink.
Dealing with a medical condition that might be gotten worse by alcohol.
Driving, preparing to drive, or taking part in other activities needing skill, coordination, and
alertness.
In addition, nobody needs to begin drinking or drink more based on prospective health benefits.4 By
adhering to the Dietary Guidelines, you can decrease the danger of harm to yourself or others.
http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm