With the holiday season now in full swing, more and more people are choosing to treat themselves to an alcoholic drink to get into the festive spirit – with the exact amount of alcohol that could see you labelled a ‘heavy drinker’ lower than you might think.
When it comes to choosing the perfect drink, be it a fruity cocktail or a classic beer, most people tend to measure their intake based on how many drinks they’ve had overall, counting it out by serving, a single bottle, a can, a glass etc.
However, this is where the main problem lies, as Harvard Medical School professor Dr. Sarah Wakeman previously revealed on The Diary of a CEO podcast.
Chatting to host Steven Bartlett, she explained: “Part of the challenge is what we think of as ‘one drink.’ Much like when you learn to read the serving size on food – a serving of ice cream is like half a scoop. It’s not a giant sundae. The same is true of alcohol.
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"In the UK, the low risk drinking limits talk about units of alcohol, which is the equivalent of 8g of alcohol. And to be in that low-risk category, you need to be drinking below 14 units (a week).”
Using a glass of wine Bartlett was holding as an example, she went on to add: “That glass of wine has multiple units of alcohol, even though we think of it as a single drink.”
Clearly shocked by the news, Bartlett then replied: “So if I had a glass of wine a day, I’d be over that limit then.”
Dr.Wakeman then commented: “You’d be right at that limit. The problem is that most people don’t just drink one glass.
"If you have two glasses one day, then one glass the next day, then three glasses another because you’re at a social function. All of a sudden, you’re quite a lot over that limit.”
The glass of wine Steven Bartlett is holding likely contains three units of alcohol (The Diary of a CEO Clips / YouTube)
While the duo were initially discussing the low-risk category for alcohol consumption, Steven wanted to take things one step further and assessed how easily it could be for someone to slip into the far more dangerous ‘heavy-drinking’ category.
He said: “So if I’m a heavy drinker. Say I’m drinking two glasses of wine a day consistently. That would put me in the heavy drinking category.”
Dr. Wakeman then responded, saying: “Which would surprise most people right? For many people that’s very normal. “
The news blindsided the entrepreneur, who couldn’t quite get over how ‘normal’ – and easy – it was to fall into the heavy drinking category.
He observed: “It is very normal. It may be harder for younger people to understand, since they’re drinking less, but if I think about the generation above me, having two glasses of wine a day, it’s quite normal.
"After work, on the weekends, with every meal you have. So that would make me a heavy drinker.”
In the US, the calculations for assessing alcohol consumption are slightly different, with ‘standard’ drinks counted rather than the units of alcohol they contain.
According to the CDC, heavy drinking would be categorized as eight or more drinks for women, or 15 or more drinks for men during a week.
How much alcohol is in standard US drinks?
The following serving guidelines apply, with each ‘standard’ drink size containing the same amount of pure alcohol.
· 12 ounces (5% ABV beer)
· 8 ounces (7% ABV malt liquor)
· 5 ounces (12% ABV wine)
· 1.5 ounces (40% ABV distilled spirits, 80 proof)
What are the effects of heavy drinking?
Over time, drinking alcohol can lead to chronic diseases and other serious health problems, including the following:
· Cancer
· Heart and liver disease, and stroke.
· Alcohol use disorder—which affects both physical and mental health.
· A weaker immune system—which increases your chances of getting sick.
· Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
· Memory problems, including dementia.
· Learning problems and issues at school or work.
· Relationship problems with family and friends
If you've been affected by addiction and want to speak to someone in confidence, you can call American Addiction Centers on (888) 324-0595, available 24/7, or contact them through their website.
Phoebe Tonks