|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
All materials on this website are copyrighted. Copyright © 2005-2008 by The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York. All rights reserved.
Mac users: please note that our site is optimized for the Safari browser. |
|
Alcohol
|
How much alcohol a day?
Originally Published: April 14, 1995
~ Last Updated / Reviewed on: March 05, 1999
|
|
|
Alice, How much alcohol is too much to consume per day? — Boundaries
Dear Boundaries, The effects of alcohol consumption on your health and behavior is related to your blood alcohol concentration level. This level varies by the amount of alcohol you consume and how quickly your body metabolizes it. Metabolism can be affected by such factors as body weight, amount of body fat, and gender. Recent studies have shown that women naturally have less of the enzyme necessary for alcohol to be broken down in the stomach. This may cause more alcohol to go directly into the bloodstream before it's being processed. While all ingested alcohol is eventually absorbed, the rate of absorption is determined by factors such as how much food is in your system, which is why eating a substantial meal is suggested prior to drinking. To prevent over-intoxication, a person needs to absorb less alcohol than they can metabolize. For most people, their liver can metabolize approximately one ounce of your standard 80-proof liquor per hour, which is approximately the alcohol content in a 12 ounce beer, or in a 5 ounce glass of wine. Alcohol metabolism rates may also be related to genetic factors. General guidelines for healthy drinking include limiting your alcohol intake to two drinks or less per day, and only one drink per hour. This can be achieved more easily at a party or a "recreational night out" by alternating a non-alcoholic beverage after an alcoholic drink. Even if you spread your alcohol consumption over an entire day, drinking less than your body can metabolize each time, it is still important to stick to the two drink per day rule. This is because, in some people, more than two drinks a day will cause elevated blood pressure, and can alter liver function. To be a smart drinker, it is also important to be aware of any family history of alcohol use, as any history of alcohol abuse or alcoholism can predispose you to alcohol dependency. If you are at Columbia and you or a friend thinks you might have a problem with drinking, call x4-2468 to make an appointment at Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS). There are specialists there who can help you tackle your problem. You can also contact:
Related Q&As |
Go Ask Alice! is not an emergency or instant response service.