The Recommended Maximum Intake of Alcohol

To maximize alcohol’s potential health benefits, it is important to consume alcohol in moderation. Some groups of people should not imbibe any alcohol, or should consume less than the maximum amount. Some of these groups include those with Hepatitis C, people with relatives who have a problem with alcohol, elderly people, people taking medications or drugs that might interact with alcohol, people with a poor diet, and people with a family history of cancer. In addition, the general guidelines for consumption may also be too high when operating heavy machinery, participating in an activity that involves a certain level of risk, recovering from a major injury or accident, and when responsible for the safety of others at home or at work.

Recommended daily alcohol intake for men is two drinks for men and one drink for women. Weekly guidelines recommend twenty one drinks for men and fourteen drinks for women. One standard drink unit is composed of half an ounce of hard liquor, four ounces of wine, or half a pint of regular strength beer. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should abstain from alcohol consumption, especially in the first eight to twelve weeks of pregnancy. Also, most countries recommend women who are trying to get pregnant should follow the pregnant women guidelines – abstaining from alcohol as much as possible. Breastfeeding mothers should also be careful to avoid drinking before feeding the child, as a certain amount of the alcohol passes to the baby through the breast milk.

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Alcohol can have serious consequences on your life if you do not drink in moderation – even more so if you are convicted of a DUI. If you have been accused of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, call Rhode Island DUI lawyer Matthew Marin at 401-287-4384.