Many adults enjoy a glass of wine, beer or liquor and, as long as you don't over do it, alcohol won’t likely hurt your health. But, how do you tell if your drinking habits are a problem, or if drinking puts your health, or the health of others, at risk?  

What’s Too Much? 

If you think you have a problem with alcohol, you are not alone. About 1 in 5 Ontario adults are problem drinkers; however, adults with drinking problems are not alcoholics. Unlike alcoholics, problem drinkers usually carry out normal daily tasks, go to work and enjoy the company of family and friends; however, many problem drinkers find it difficult to cope without alcohol.

 

Problem drinkers may feel the need to use alcohol to help deal with difficult situations or to help change their mood. Sometimes, problem drinkers notice they drink too much and their drinking has become a “bad habit” - drinking in the same place, with the same people, day after day.

 

Do You Have a Drinking Problem?

Try SMAST! (The Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test).  Good news is, if you think you have a problem, help is available.

 

Also see the  Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines 

 

Healthy Drinking Habits Tips

1. Make a promise to change.

2. Mark down how much you drink, when, where and with whom.

3. Write down the location, what you were feeling, thinking or doing just before you start to drink. Look for patterns to find out why you drink and how to change. Use your notes to check your progress and triggers.

4. If you want to quit or cut down the amount you drink. Decide what is best for you and your lifestyle. No matter your long term goal - to quit or cut back - begin by not drinking any alcohol for a short period. Studies show that quitting for a short period improves your chance of success by boosting your confidence and giving your body and mind a break.

5. Set limits: number of drinks you will have in a day (2 max./day); number of days you will drink per week; maximum drinks in one week (14 or less for men; 9 or less for women).

6. Things to try when tempted to drink too much.