Top Menu

Menu
Menu

Alcohol

Summary

If you are like many Americans, you drink alcohol at least occasionally. For many people, moderate drinking is probably safe. It may even have health benefits, including reducing your risk of certain heart problems. For most women and for most people over 65, moderate drinking is no more than three drinks a day or seven drinks per week. For men under 65, it is no more than four drinks a day or 14 drinks per week.

Some people should not drink at all, including alcoholics, children, pregnant women, people taking certain medicines, and people with certain medical conditions. If you have questions about whether it is safe for you to drink, speak with your health care provider.

Anything more than moderate drinking can be risky. Heavy drinking can lead to alcoholism and alcohol abuse, as well as injuries, liver disease, heart disease, cancer, and other health problems. It can also cause problems at home, at work, and with friends.

NIH: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Related Issues

Statistics and Research

Start Here

Health Check Tools

Seniors

Array

Women

NIH MedlinePlus Magazine

Encyclopedia

Prevention and Risk Factors

Men

Find an Expert

Reference Desk

Journal Articles

Latest News

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Community Health

Your Health Our Mission