Millions of people drink alcoholic beverages on a regular basis without ever developing a drinking problem, but how do you know if you are drinking at a safe level? How much alcohol can you drink and still be considered a low-risk drinker? How much is puts you in the high-risk group? According to extensive research by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), less that 2% of drinkers who fall within the following guidelines ever develop alcohol use disorders: Four or Fewer Drinks for MenFor men, low-risk alcohol consumption is drinking four or fewer standard drinks
(12 oz. beer, 5 oz. wine, 1.5 oz. vodka/gin/whiskey, etc.) on any single day and less than 14 drinks during any given week. According to the NIAAA, to remain low risk, both the daily and weekly guidelines must be met. In other words, if you are a man and you drink only four standard drinks per day, but you drink four every day, you are drinking 28 drinks per week -- twice the recommended level for low-risk alcohol consumption. Likewise, drinking four drinks a day four times a week would also exceed the guidelines. Three or Fewer Drinks for WomenResearch has shown that women develop alcohol problems at lower levels of consumption than men. Therefore, the guidelines for low-risk drinking are lower for females. The NIAAA guidelines for women are three or fewer standard drinks a day and no more than seven drinks per week. As is for men, both the daily and weekly standards must be met to remain in the low-risk category. If you drink only two drinks a day, but drink them every day, that is 14 drinks a week -- twice the recommended amount for low-risk consumption. 'Low Risk' Does Not Mean 'No Risk'There are some situations in which no level of drinking can be considered low-risk. Depending on your age, health and other circumstances, you may need to drink even less or not drink at all. Here are some circumstances in which you may need to stop drinking altogether: - If when you drink, you become irresponsible or unsafe in any way. If even low levels of alcohol are creating a problem in your life, you are drinking too much.
- If you plan to drive or operate heavy equipment.
- If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant.
- If you have certain medical conditions, such as cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis C, chronic pain, certain heart conditions or mental disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression.
- If you are taking certain medications that negatively interact with alcohol.
What If You Drink Too Much?If you regularly exceed the above guidelines for low-risk drinking, your drinking level might fall into the definitions of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence. If you are ready to seek helpI would be glad to talk with you or you may contact Orange County Alcoholics Anonymous.___________________________________________________________  Hello, If you are using alcohol in an unhealthy way, it can be very difficult to admit this to yourself. I encourage you to take a step toward facing this problem and think about how much you're drinking, then click on the link above to see what type of help is available. If you are ready to talk about this with someone, call Alcoholics Anonymous (714-556-4555) or get in touch with me. All the best, Kristen | 
