6 The HBCU Advocate


Volume 2 Number 4


October/November 2018


Alcohol Use and Your Health


Drinking too much can harm your health. Excessive alcohol use leads to about 88,000 deaths in the United States each year, and shortens the life of those who die by almost 30 years. Further, excessive drinking cost the economy $249 billion in 2010. Most excessive drinkers are not alcohol dependent.


What is considered a “drink”? U.S. Standard Drink Sizes


12 ounces 5% ABV beer


Excessive alcohol use includes: Binge Drinking


For women, 4 or more drinks consumed on one occasion


7% ABV malt liquor 8 ounces


5 ounces 12% ABV wine


(examples: gin, rum, vodka, whiskey)


1.5 ounces 40% ABV (80 proof)


distilled spirits


Heavy Drinking


For women, 8 or more drinks per week


Any alcohol used by pregnant women


Any alcohol used by those under the age of 21 years


For men, 5 or more drinks consumed on one occasion


For men, 15 or more drinks per week


If you choose to drink, do so in moderation: DON’T DRINK AT ALL if you


FOR WOMEN, up to 1 drink a day


are under the age of 21, or if you are or may be pregnant, or have health problems


that could be made worse by drinking.


FOR MEN, up to 2 drinks a day


NO ONE should begin drinking or drink more frequently based on potential health benefits.


National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division of Population Health


CS246270


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