‘Responsible’ drinking rules do vary

By Kelly Vander Werff

Most people know that alcohol abuse costs us all a great deal. Nationwide, an estimated $191 billion each year is lost in productivity, alcohol-related illnesses and accidents, services related to crime and crime victims, and substance abuse treatment. It doesn't have to be that way.

We often hear the phrase “please drink responsibly,” but what is “responsible?” People frequently base their definition on their personal preferences, rather than on the actual risks to their health and safety. For instance, if my definition of responsible drinking is “as long as I don't drive, it doesn't matter how much I drink,” I might avoid problems with drinking and driving, yet I may be exposing myself to a variety of other health and safety problems related to overconsumption.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), low-risk drinking is the amount of alcohol an average adult can consume per day and per week, with a low risk (though not no risk) of experiencing problems.

Low-risk drinking for men is no more than four standard drinks on any one day and no more than 14 drinks per week. For women, it is no more than three drinks on a single day and no more than seven drinks per week.

Because the average person can metabolize about one standard drink per hour, consuming no more than one drink per hour is recommended to reduce the risk of alcohol impairment.

Size and content matters when counting our drinks. A standard drink size equates to a 12-ounce beer, 5 ounces of table wine or 1.5 ounces of 80 proof spirits. Often the way beer and wine are served can mean that we are getting two or three standard drinks in one container. Mixed drinks often have more than one shot of alcohol.

These guidelines are not based on personal opinion but rather what research has found to reduce risk for the vast majority of people. Our age, body size, whether we've eaten, if we are sick or fatigued all impact the way alcohol affects us. And, it is always recommended to avoid alcohol altogether if you are taking medications that interact with alcohol, managing a medical condition that can worsen by drinking, underage, pregnant or trying to become pregnant, or in substance abuse recovery.

Visit NIAAA's “Rethinking Drinking” campaign at www.rethink

ingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov for additional details about low-risk drinking guidelines and additional tools and resources to help you assess your own drinking so you can stay healthy and safe.

Kelly Vander Werff is Prevention Manager, MECCA Services, Iowa City, www.meccaservices.com or (319)-351-4357; comments: kvanderwerff@meccaia.com