How can I tell if my drinking is becoming a problem?

Look for patterns such as needing more alcohol to feel its effects, feeling unable to stop once you start, neglecting responsibilities, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms like shaking or nausea when you stop. If you find yourself drinking more often or in larger amounts than you intended, it may be a sign of a growing problem.

What are the short‑term health risks of binge drinking?

Binge drinking can cause vomiting, blackouts, impaired judgment leading to accidents, high blood pressure spikes, and acute heart rhythm disturbances. It also increases the risk of injuries from falls or fights.

Are there safe ways to reduce alcohol consumption if I have a family history of alcoholism?

Yes. Strategies include setting strict limits on daily and weekly intake, using tools like a drinking diary, seeking support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, and, if needed, consulting a healthcare provider for counseling or medication to help reduce cravings.

Can moderate drinking increase my risk of certain cancers?

Yes. Even moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to higher risks of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast, and colorectal areas. The risk rises with the amount and frequency of drinking.

Alcohol

Many Americans consume alcohol, but understanding how it affects the body and recognizing the risks of excessive consumption is essential for maintaining your health.

How does alcohol affect the body?

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, meaning it is a drug that slows down brain activity. It can change your mood, behavior, and self-control, while causing problems with memory and thinking clearly. It can also affect your coordination and physical control.

Alcohol also has effects on other organs in your body. For example, it can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. If you drink too much at once, it could make you throw up.

Why are the effects of alcohol different from person to person?

Alcohol's effects vary from person to person, depending on a variety of factors, including:

How much you drink
How often you drink
Your age
Your sex
Your genetics
Your overall health
Whether or not you have a family history of alcohol problems

What is moderate drinking?

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

Even though moderate drinking may be safe for many people, there are still risks. Moderate drinking can raise the risk of death from certain cancers and heart diseases.

What is a standard drink?

In the United States, a standard drink is one that contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in:

12 ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol content)
5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol content)
1.5 ounces or a "shot" of distilled spirits or liquor (40% alcohol content)

Who should not drink alcohol?

Some people should not drink alcohol at all, including those who:

Are in recovery from an alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Are unable to control the amount they drink
Are under age 21
Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
Are taking medicines that can interact with alcohol
Have medical conditions that can get worse if you drink alcohol
Are planning on driving
Will be operating machinery or doing activities that require skill, coordination, and alertness

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

What is excessive drinking?

Excessive drinking includes binge drinking and heavy alcohol use:

Binge drinking is drinking so much at once that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is 0.08% or more:
- For men, this usually happens after having 5 or more drinks within a few hours.
- For women, it is usually after about 4 or more drinks within a few hours.
Heavy alcohol use means:
- For men, having more than 5 drinks on any day or more than 15 drinks per week.
- For women, having more than 4 drinks on any day or more than 8 drinks per week.

Binge drinking raises your risk of injuries, car crashes, and alcohol overdose. It also puts you at risk of becoming violent or being the victim of violence.

Heavy alcohol use over a long period of time may cause health problems such as:

Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Liver diseases, including cirrhosis and fatty liver disease
Heart diseases
Increased risk of certain cancers
Increased risk of injuries

Heavy alcohol use can also cause problems at home, at work, and with friends. But treatment can help.