Medically Reviewed by Annamarie Coy, BA, ICPR, MATS
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In the U.S., a standard drink is any drink that consists of 14 grams of pure alcohol. This is equal to about 0.6 fluid ounces or 1.2 tablespoons.
A standard drink is typically as follows for each type of alcoholic beverage:
Many light beers contain almost as much alcohol as regular beers do. This is about 85 percent as much. On average, this equals 4.2 percent alcohol content compared to 5.0 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).
Different types and brands of alcoholic beverages vary in alcohol content. The effects of alcohol on the body depend on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The liver can only process approximately one drink per hour.
Check the label to know the alcohol content in a canned or bottled drink. Not all beverages display alcohol content, so you may have to search online for a reliable source, including the bottler’s website.
Although the standard drink amounts are useful for following health guidelines, they don’t always reflect common serving sizes. Likewise, while the alcohol concentrations listed are typical, there’s significant variability in alcohol content within each alcoholic beverage.
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Alcoholic drinks contain alcohol, water, and other ingredients. There’s a vast difference in the alcohol content of drinks, depending on the type of beverage.
Common types of alcoholic beverages include:
Below are the types of alcoholic beverages available and the alcohol percentage they typically contain. Sometimes, various brands of alcoholic drinks may have different alcohol contents.
The percentage of alcohol in the beverage determines the equivalent of one standard drink. Check the label of each alcoholic beverage to understand the exact percentage of alcohol in the drink.
Beer and wine coolers usually consist of around 5 percent alcohol. A standard drink is 12 fluid ounces.
Cider is typically about 6 percent alcohol. A standard drink is around 10 fluid ounces.
Malt liquor is around 7 percent alcohol. A standard drink is approximately 8 to 9 fluid ounces.
Table wine is typically 12 percent alcohol, making five fluid ounces a standard drink. Fortified wines, including sherry and port, are more potent at around 17 percent alcohol. A standard glass of wine is 3 to 4 fluid ounces.
Liqueurs, cordials, and aperitifs are usually quite potent at around 24 percent alcohol. A standard drink is 2 to 3 fluid ounces.
Spirits are usually 80 proof, meaning they are 40 percent alcohol. A standard drink or shot of a spirit is 1.5 fluid ounces. Spirits include whiskey, gin, vodka, and brandy.
A 1.5 fl oz shot of brandy or cognac is considered a standard drink in the U.S. A 1.5 fl oz shot of an 80-proof distilled spirit is also considered a standard drink.
Moderate drinking for men is having no more than two standard drinks per day and no more than one for women. Drinking in moderation, or not at all, reduces the risk of alcohol-related issues. This is why abstinence or moderate alcohol consumption is recommended.
Understanding what a standard drink is is essential to avoid the harmful effects of heavy drinking. This can also help you keep track of how much alcohol you drink.
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Drinking five or more drinks for men or four or more for women within 2 hours is binge drinking. Binge drinking is common among college students.
Consuming more than five drinks for men or over four for women in a single session on five or more days a month is heavy drinking.
If you regularly drink more than the recommended guidelines, you may have an alcohol problem. This leads to an increased risk of developing health issues.
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Alcohol consumption can cause several adverse effects. These include the following:
Short-term effects of alcohol consumption include:
Long-term effects of alcohol consumption include:
Drinking multiple drinks in a short time or drinking on an empty stomach can increase the effects of alcohol. This is because your body absorbs more alcohol in a short period.
If you think you have a drinking problem, this self-assessment questionnaire may be helpful for you:
You may have a mild AUD if you respond “yes” to at least two or three questions. Four to five “yes” answers may be considered a moderate AUD. Six or more “yes” answers may indicate a severe AUD.
Many treatment options and resources are available for alcohol abuse and addiction, including:
Knowing what a standard drink is and understanding the potential effects of alcohol can help you make informed decisions about drinking. It’s also important to take regular self-assessments to determine if you need treatment for an AUD.
Many resources are available, such as inpatient programs and support groups. If you drink more than the recommended levels or notice any of these effects on your body, it’s time to seek help. Making smart choices now will help you in the long run.
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