Alcohol is everywhere—from photos of cocktails and craft beers on social media to advertising. Drinking is often a big part of celebrations and socializing, too. For a long time, moderate drinking was even thought to be associated with good health. However, growing research shows that even small amounts of alcohol can be more harmful than previously thought.
Many people use alcohol to help them relax, unwind, or socialize.
Alcohol is a depressant that impacts the brain; it can leave you feeling sad and anxious. A 2025 report on alcohol and cancer risk by the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory noted that moderate drinking—one drink per day—can increase the risk for cancers of the breast, mouth and throat.
The good news is reducing how much you drink can have immediate health benefits. Alcohol-related diseases are preventable. If you’d like to cut back or quit drinking, there are many local resources to help. Learn more here:
Alcohol and Health
From sleep disruption to mood regulation to heart disease and cancer, alcohol impacts mental health and wellbeing. Learn more to protect your health.
Women and Alcohol
Alcohol has different effects on women as compared to men, often resulting in a higher risk of certain alcohol-related problems, including liver damage, heart disease, brain damage, and cancers. Learn more about how alcohol impacts women and resources that can help you cut back.
Tips to help cut back or quit drinking
Sometimes small changes can make a big difference. Learn how little changes to your life can help you decrease how much you drink.
When we drink so much that it creates problems with our health, relationships, and ability to function without alcohol, it may mean we are drinking too much, or could have alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD, is common, impacting more than 28 million people ages 12 and up.
How much is “one drink”?
Many people are surprised to learn what counts as a drink. The amount of liquid in your glass, can, or bottle does not necessarily match up to how much alcohol is actually in your drink. Different types of beer, wine, or malt liquor can have very different amounts of alcohol content. For example, many light beers have almost as much alcohol as regular beer – about 85% as much.
That’s why it’s important to know how much alcohol your drink contains.
In the United States, one “standard” drink (or one alcoholic drink equivalent) contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in:
12 ounces of
regular beer
which is about
5% alcohol
5 ounces of
wine
which is about
12% alcohol
1.5 ounces of
distilled spirits
which is about
40% alcohol
1.7 ounce nip of
distilled spirits
which is about
44% alcohol
This means...
One bottle of wine = 5 drinks
A growler of beer = 5.3 drinks
A fifth of distilled spirits or "hard liquor" = 17 drinks
One nip = just over 1 drink
If you or a loved one want to stop drinking but need help to do it, call the Access Line 800-563-4086.
If you are chemically dependent on alcohol and suddenly stop drinking, convulsions or seizures can occur within six to 48 hours. This can become dangerous if not medically treated.
If you are a heavy drinker and want to quit, consult a trained medical professional or a facility that specializes in alcohol and drug treatment, and be honest about your usual alcohol intake. You can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
