[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in America. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 80% of people aged 12 or older have abused alcohol at some point in their lifetime.[1]
Because alcohol use is so common, you might find yourself wondering whether you drink too much. Thankfully, certain guidelines can help you determine whether your relationship with alcohol is problematic. Moderate drinking is generally considered safe, while a pattern of alcohol abuse characterizes heavy drinking.ย
Moderate drinking is considered 1 drink or less per day for women and 2 drinks or less per day for men. On the other hand, heavy drinking is defined as five or more drinks per day for men and 4 or more drinks per day for women.[2]
While some people think drinking in moderation can provide health benefits, it is always best to drink less rather than more. The main difference between moderate and heavy drinking is engaging in alcohol abuse so often that it becomes a problem for your physical and mental health. You might find that you meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder if you are a heavy drinker.ย
In this article, you will learn:
- What is moderate drinking
- What is heavy drinkingย
- What are the differences between moderate and heavy drinking
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]
What is Moderate Drinking?
You might find yourself having a glass of wine after a hard day at work or unwinding with your friends at the bar now and then. If you are only having one or two drinks, you are not engaging in an unhealthy pattern of drinking. You might be considered a moderate drinker.ย
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate drinking is defined as having a maximum of one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.[2] You can still be a moderate drinker if you drink a few times per week instead of every day.ย
While some people think there are health benefits to moderate drinking, the CDC reports that even moderate drinking can increase your risk of health risks like cancer and cardiovascular disease.[3]
With this in mind, moderate alcohol consumption does not necessarily indicate an alcohol use disorder. However, it can lead to a pattern of alcohol abuse over time. If you are a moderate drinker, you need to be careful to ensure your drinking does not increase as time goes on.ย
What is Heavy Drinking?
Heavy drinking is considered a problematic pattern of alcohol use. If you are engaging in heavy drinking, you might be struggling with an alcohol addiction.ย
Heavy drinking is defined as:[2]
- Consuming 5 or more drinks per day or 15 per week for men
- Consuming 4 or more drinks per day or 8 per week for women
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Drinking this much alcohol will put you at risk of chronic health conditions, increased mental health issues, and alcoholism. If you are a heavy drinker and have a hard time controlling how much alcohol you use, experience cravings for alcohol, or deal with withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking, you have an alcohol use disorder.
What are the Differences Between Moderate and Heavy Drinking?
If you are having a hard time deciding whether you are a moderate or a heavy drinker, there are some factors to consider. First, the frequency at which you consume alcohol can help you determine what level of drinking you are engaging in. Second, there are different health and alcoholism risks associated with heavy or moderate drinking.ย
The differences between heavy and moderate drinking include:
Frequency
As mentioned, moderate drinking is 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men. However, you can be considered a moderate drinker even if you only have a couple of drinks each week. This term encompasses anyone who regularly drinks alcohol without meeting the criteria for a problematic relationship with it.ย
On the other hand, heavy drinking is a pattern of overconsumption of alcohol. This term means you are drinking too much alcohol too frequently. It is defined as having 5 or more drinks per day or 15 or more drinks per week for men.ย
Healthย
While both moderate and heavy drinking increases your likelihood of adverse health effects, heavy drinking is considered a higher risk. You could develop high blood pressure, heart disease, and damage to organs like your liver and pancreas.[4] When you are engaging in heavy drinking, you are more likely to develop these illnesses.
Risk of Alcoholismย
While you can develop alcoholism from long-term moderate drinking, it is less likely. Once you progress to heavy drinking, you are more than likely already struggling with an alcohol use disorder.
The main signs of alcoholism include:[5]
- Having a hard time controlling how much alcohol you use
- Experiencing cravings and urges to abuse alcohol
- Having trouble meeting responsibilities at home, school, and work
- Using alcohol in risky situations, such as while driving
- Needing to increase the amount you drink to experience an effect
- Dealing with withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking alcohol
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]
Find Help for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
If you or a loved one engages in heavy drinking, it might be time to seek professional help. At Moving Mountains Recovery, we offer clinically proven treatments for alcohol abuse like medical detox, behavioral therapy, and relapse prevention planning. Contact us today for more information on our alcohol rehab program.ย [/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion section_title_tag=”p” gap=”2″ c_align=”left” c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”0″][vc_tta_section title=”References:” tab_id=”1729181225709-57d9b180-e65c”][vc_column_text css=””]
- The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use in the United Statesย
- The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Drinking Levels and Patterns Defined
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About Moderate Alcohol Use
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): The Risks Associated With Alcohol Use and Alcoholism
- Psychiatry Online: Overview of Alcohol Use Disorder
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row]
