The amount of alcohol considered safe to drink daily varies slightly by country and health guidelines, but general recommendations are:
- For women: No more than 1 standard drink per day, and no more than 7 drinks per week.
- For men: No more than 2 standard drinks per day, and no more than 14 drinks per week.
- Adults age 65 and older: No more than 1 drink per day and no more than 7 drinks per week.
- Pregnant people or those who might become pregnant: It is safest not to drink any alcohol.
A "standard drink" contains about 10 to 14 grams of pure alcohol, depending on the country's measure (e.g., a bottle of beer, a glass of wine, or a shot of spirits). It is important to avoid binge drinking, defined as 4 or more drinks on one occasion for women and older adults, and 5 or more drinks for men. Even moderate alcohol consumption carries some risk; the less alcohol consumed, the lower the risk of health problems. Some experts emphasize that there is no completely "safe" level of alcohol consumption, as any drinking can increase risks for certain cancers and other conditions. Additionally, individuals with certain health conditions or risks may need to limit or abstain from alcohol entirely. These guidelines aim to reduce the risk of alcohol-related health issues but do not eliminate the risk entirely. Summary of daily alcohol guidelines:
Group| Max per day (standard drinks)| Max per week (standard drinks)
---|---|---
Women| 1| 7
Men| 2| 14
Adults 65+| 1| 7
Pregnant or trying| 0| 0
Avoid binge drinking and spread alcohol intake to reduce harms. Overall, drinking less is better for health, and some people should avoid alcohol completely.
