Drinking alcohol is socially acceptable and even encouraged among adults across the U.S. Although it is unlawful for minors to drink alcohol, many adolescents give into peer pressure or experiment with alcohol well before their 21st birthday.
Many adults never engaged in binge drinking while others “got it out of the way” and now drink in moderation. Moderation means different things to many people, but if you don’t have a handle on how much you consume, it can be hazardous to your health.
Here are the guidelines for moderation and how to maintain a “healthy moderation” lifestyle:
“Everything is Good in Moderation”
How often have you heard or even said, “everything is good in moderation”? While there may be truth to this statement, many people struggle to define moderation. For one person it could be three drinks a day, for another it could be three drinks a week.
General guidelines for moderate alcohol consumption is one drink a day for women of all ages and two a day for men under the age of 65 (men over 65 should have one).
A “drink” is a 12 oz beer, 5 oz glass of wine, or 1.5 oz of “hard liquor” of 80 proof.
Moderate drinking may affect everyone differently and much depends on the health of an individual. People with certain health conditions or who take medication should avoid any alcohol.
Is Your Drinking Problematic?
It’s not uncommon that a moderate drinker may occasionally question his or her alcohol consumption. Maybe it was a drunk driving offense or doing something embarrassing at a party, that has made you rethink your drinking habits.
Keep in mind that moderate drinking can be problematic and doesn’t mean you have or are in control.
You may have a problem with your alcohol consumption if your relationships suffer, you miss school or work, and your overall outlook on your life or about yourself is affected.
Tips to Stay Moderate
Drinking in moderation can be tough at times, especially when you’re hanging out with friends at a bar or have a reunion with old roommates.
Here are some tips to help you drink in moderation (or not at all):
Be a Designated Driver: Designated drivers (DD) may not have all the fun, but there are some perks to consider. Not only do you get free non-alcoholic beverages at some bars and restaurants, but you won’t be hungover the next day. Some events, like festivals, offer discounted tickets for DDs.
Organize an Event without Alcohol: It can become a habit to hit up a bar on the weekend and not even think twice about doing something else. Consider organizing a sober dinner party or game night or head to a movie.
Get Support: Many people think they drink too much, but may not be alcoholics. If you are unsure whether or not your drinking is problematic, talk with your doctor. There are also support groups that help drinkers consume alcohol in moderation.
Ask Your Friends to Keep You Accountable: If you’re planning on drinking two glasses of wine, tell your friends and ask them not to serve you more than that amount. Granted, you are ultimately responsible for your consumption, it never hurts to ask your friends to have your back.
Moderation is different for everyone, but by monitoring your own intake of alcohol you can have a happier, healthier, and safer lifestyle.
