Posted by USPHS Lt. Cmdr. David Barry
, DCoE clinical psychologist
on June 12, 2012
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U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Senior Airman Mike Meares
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Lt. Cmdr. David Barry is a subject matter expert on alcohol and substance abuse/misuse at DCoE.
For many, drinking alcohol in moderation isn’t a problem. For others, keeping within appropriate limits can be challenging. So what’s appropriate drinking? And how do you know when your drinking is excessive or risky? Many have misconceptions about the answers to these questions. Primarily young adults believe that as long as they don’t get too sick, black out or drive while intoxicated, their drinking is appropriate. However, not remembering events from the night before, experiencing hangovers and getting sick are all signs of excessive, unhealthy drinking.
Whether at a party or at a bar, it’s easy to unintentionally engage in excessive drinking, since the alcohol content is not always apparent. A standard drink is equal to one 12-ounce beer (5 percent alcohol), five ounces of wine (12 percent alcohol), or a 1.5-ounce shot of 80 proof alcohol. So, drinks like a “large” 20-ounce beer from a restaurant, the microbrew with a kick, or the strong-mixed drink from the bar are greater in alcohol content than one standard drink.