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Alcohol Terms
The Standard Measure of Alcohol
In the United States, a standard drink has about half an ounce (13.7
grams or 1.2 tablespoons) of pure alcohol. Generally, this amount of pure
alcohol is found in:
- 12 ounces of regular beer or wine cooler
- 8 ounces of malt liquor
- 5 ounces of wine
- 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits or “liquor” (gin, rum,
vodka, whiskey)
Levels and Patterns of Drinking
- Heavy drinking
- For women, more than 1 drink per day on average.
- For men, more than 2 drinks per day on average.
- Binge drinking
- For women, 4 or more drinks during a single occasion.
- For men, 5 or more drinks during a single occasion.
Excessive drinking includes heavy drinking, binge drinking
or both.
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s
health, interpersonal relationships or ability to work. Manifestations of
alcohol abuse include:
- Failure to fulfill major responsibilities at work, school, or home.
- Drinking in dangerous situations, such as drinking while driving or
operating machinery.
- Legal problems related to alcohol, such as being arrested for
drinking while driving or for physically hurting someone while drunk.
- Continued drinking despite ongoing relationship problems that are
caused or worsened by drinking.
- Long-term alcohol abuse can turn into alcohol dependence
Alcohol Dependence
Dependency on alcohol, also known as alcohol addiction and alcoholism, is
a chronic disease. The signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence include:
- A strong craving for alcohol.
- Continued use despite repeated physical, psychological, or
interpersonal problems.
- The inability to limit drinking.
- Physical illness when one stops drinking.
- The need to drink increasing amounts to feel its effects.
Page last reviewed: August 6, 2008
Page last modified: August 6, 2008
Content source: Division of Adult and Community Health,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion |
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