Responsible Drinking: Know Your Limits

What Is Moderate Drinking?

The CDC and USDA Dietary Guidelines define moderate drinking as up to 1 standard drink per day for women and up to 2 standard drinks per day for men. This is not an average — it means on any single day, not averaged over a week.

Tips for Responsible Drinking

• Know what a standard drink is. A standard drink is 12 oz of beer (5% ABV), 5 oz of wine (12% ABV), or 1.5 oz of spirits (40% ABV). Many drinks at bars and restaurants are larger than this.
• Set a limit before you start. Decide how many drinks you'll have before the evening begins, and stick to it.
• Pace yourself. Limit to one drink per hour. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water.
• Eat before and while drinking. Food slows alcohol absorption and reduces peak BAC.
• Avoid drinking games. They encourage rapid consumption, which leads to dangerous BAC spikes.
• Never drink and drive. Plan your ride home before you start drinking. Use rideshare, a taxi, or a designated driver.
• Watch out for your friends. If someone appears severely intoxicated, help them stop drinking and stay safe. If they lose consciousness, call 911.

What Is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is defined as consuming 4 or more drinks for women, or 5 or more drinks for men, within about 2 hours. Binge drinking raises BAC to 0.08% or higher and significantly increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and alcohol poisoning.

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