• Alcoholism or alcohol dependence
• Falls, drownings, and other accidents
• Head, neck, stomach, and breast cancers
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Risky sex behaviors, unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Suicide and homicide

If a pregnant woman drinks, alcohol can adversely affect the developing fetus. Alcohol can cause birth defects or fetal alcohol syndrome (a disorder marked by mental retardation and behavior problems).

RESPONSIBLE DRINKING

If you drink alcohol, it is best to do so in moderation. This is defined as not causing intoxication, and consuming no more than 1 beer, 1 glass of wine, or 1 shot of liquor per day if you are a woman and no more than 2 if you are a man. Studies have shown that wine may be beneficial to health, but is unhealthy when consumed in large amounts.

Here are some ways to drink responsibly, provided you do NOT have a drinking problem, are of legal age to drink alcohol, and are not pregnant:

• NEVER drink alcohol and drive a car
• If you are going to drink, have a designated driver, or plan an alternative way home, such as a taxi or bus
• Do not drink on an empty stomach. Snack before and while drinking alcohol

If you are taking medication, including over-the-counter drugs, check with your doctor before drinking alcohol. Alcohol can intensify the effects of many drugs and can interact with other drugs, making them ineffective or dangerous, or making you sick.

Do NOT drink at all if you have a history of alcohol abuse or alcoholism.

If alcoholism runs in your family, you may be at increased risk of developing alcoholism yourself, and may want to avoid drinking alcohol altogether.

CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:

• You are concerned about your personal alcohol use or that of a family member
• You are interested in more information regarding alcohol use, alcohol abuse, or support groups
• You are unable to reduce or stop your alcohol consumption, in spite of attempts to stop drinking

Other resources include:

• Local Alcoholics Anonymous or Al-anon/alateen groups (See: Alcoholism - resources)
• Local hospitals
• Public or private mental health agencies
• School or work counselors
• Student or employee health centers

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Review Date: 03/30/2010
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and David B. Merrill, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)