Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. After a challenging day, it's common for people to reach for a drink to help them relax. After all, it's called "happy hour," right? But alcohol isn't a great way to cope with stress. It can actually make anxiety and depression worse. And sometimes one drink leads to another … and another. Have you found yourself drinking more lately? Do you wonder if maybe you're drinking too much? Experts suggest that if you drink, the key is to keep it at a low to moderate level. That means:footnote 1 The chance of developing health problems goes up when people drink more than this. High-risk drinking includes: And a standard drink is smaller than many people realize: It's a 12 oz beer, a 5 oz glass of wine, or a mixed drink with 1.5 oz of liquor. But there's more to it than numbers. Alcohol can affect your emotions and your judgment. Even though you may drink to relax, some people find that it makes them more short-tempered. They may say or do things they regret later. And while alcohol may help you fall asleep, it can cause you to wake up in the night or sleep poorly, so you may feel more tired and stressed the next day. For some people, no amount of alcohol is safe. To help you decide if you're drinking more than you want to, ask yourself: If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, it might be time to think about cutting back. If you do decide to drink less, there are lots of ways to do it. For example, substitute a no-alcohol drink that you enjoy, like flavored seltzer water or tonic with a lemon wedge. Or have a large glass of water with each drink. You may also want to explore healthier ways to cope with stress, like walking, yoga, or meditation. These are strategies you can use now or anytime your stress level goes up. If it's harder to cut back than you expected, reach out for help. Call your doctor or therapist, or look for an online support group. Current as of: November 15, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: November 15, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Drinking More Than You Want To?
Overview
Just what is "too much"?
Is it time to cut back?
Related Information
References
Citations
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: November 15, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardDrinking More Than You Want To?
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.