How Much Alcohol is Too Much?

Some people can drink a glass or two of alcohol on occasion, put it down, and never think about it until the next time. Others can take one drink and continue drinking until they become intoxicated. Still, others develop an addiction and need professional help from an alcohol detox center in Florida. But how much alcohol is too much.  The answer to that question depends on several factors such as the type of alcohol a person consumes, how much they drink, and their body chemistry. Some people can get intoxicated on a small glass of wine. Others may be able to drink three beers before they’re drunk. The important thing is to understand what alcohol does to the body and what an individual’s personal limit is.

Recommended Alcohol Intake

A standard alcoholic drink consists of 14 grams of pure alcohol. Breaking it down standard drinks are different, including: 

• 12 ounces of beer
• 5 ounces of wine
• 1.5 ounces of liquor
• 1 to 3 ounces of mixed alcohol drinks (spirits)

According to the U.S. Department of Health and the  U.S. Department of Agriculture, men should drink no more than two drinks per day, and women should drink no more than one drink per day. Problems occur when a person binge drinks or continues to increase the amount and frequency of alcohol over time. It is important to note that those who stay within the suggested limits of alcohol intake can form a dependency on alcohol if they drink every day.

How Much Alcohol is Too Much?

Even with recommended alcohol intake, a person may still ask, “How much alcohol is too much?” The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) suggests that women who drink more than four drinks or men that drink more than five drinks in a sitting or within a couple of hours are drinking too much.  This type of heavy drinking is referred to as binge drinking. Constant binge drinking may require treatment from a Florida alcohol addiction treatment center. Although binge drinking does not always signify that a person has an addiction or dependency, it can create immediate risks such as:

• Reckless behavior
• Drinking under the influence of alcohol
• Unintended sexual behavior
• Problems with the law
• Alcohol poisoning

Drinking too much alcohol can impair the senses and cause a lack of sound judgment. A person may end up engaging in activity that has severe consequences.

Keep in Mind That Alcohol is Dangerous

The reason that numerous research has been done on alcohol-related problems is that alcohol is inherently dangerous. At its core, alcohol blocks chemical signals from one brain cell to the next. This chemical reaction is what causes intoxication, slurred speech, impulsive behavior, slowed reflexes, or poor memory. All of these effects of alcohol on the brain are what make alcohol dangerous. Furthermore, the brain becomes dependent on alcohol with daily use. Consequently, when a person tries to quit using alcohol, they may experience withdrawal symptoms or failed attempts. This is why many people seek treatment at an alcohol detox center in Florida. Before you pick up your first or next drink, you should ask, “How much alcohol is too much?”