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Low Risk Drinking Guidelines

This page was reviewed or revised on Monday, January 16, 2012 1:21 PM

Healthy people who drink, and are of legal drinking age, can cut the risk of alcohol problems by following the low-risk drinking guidelines.

If you choose to drink, drink responsibly. If you don't drink, don't start for health reasons; try less risky options like more exercise, eat better and stop smoking. The health benefits of alcohol apply mainly to people over age 45 years, and one drink, every other day is enough. For most people, more than two (2) drinks per day do more harm than good.

Talk to your kids about alcohol. Young people have very low rates of heart disease, but very high rates of alcohol-related injuries and death.

Low-risk tips:

• NEVER drink and drive, or ride with a driver who has been drinking.
• Have no more than two (2) standard drinks* in a day.
• Limit weekly intake: 15 or less for men; 10 or less for women.
• Drink slowly. Have no more than two (2) drinks in three (3) hours.
• Drink alcohol with food. Switch between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• If have a drinking problem, seek help and follow their advice.
• Do not drink to deal with stress depression or loneliness.

These Guidelines DO NOT apply if you:

• Have health problems such as liver disease or mental illness.
• Are taking medication such as sedatives, sleeping pills or pain killers.
• Have a family history of drinking problems.
• Have a family history of cancer or other risk factors for cancer.
• Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Will be operating - car, truck motorcycles, boats, bicycles, ATVs, snowmobile.
• Need to be alert; i.e. you will be operating dangerous machinery, farm equipment.
• Will be doing sports or other physical activities where you need to be in control.
• Are responsible for the safety of others at work or at home.
• Are told not to drink for legal, medical or other reasons.

1 standard drink = 13.6 grams of alcohol =
Wine	Spirits	Beer
5 oz = 142 mL	1.5 oz = 43 mL	12 oz = 341 mL
Coolers and higher alcohol beers have more alcohol than one standard drink.

For more information on Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines and related reports, please visit the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) or County of Lambton Community Health Services Department 519 383-8331 or toll free 1-800-667-1839. Information is based on the Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines, developed by the National Alcohol Strategy Advisory Committee.

Related Link

Canada’s Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines
Posted on January 3, 2012 by Doug Ironside RN - Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
You Tube Video  (2:19 minutes)