DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- There are many messages in the community and here at Dyess which talked about “responsible drinking.” You have been told “know your limits” or “don’t drink too much”, but what does that really mean? If you answered “I don’t know”, you are probably one of many. Alcohol education does not have to be complex.
There are a few simple items you need to know to become a smart drinker:
1.) What is a “drink”? A standard drink varies based on the type of alcohol you consume. A standard drink is equal to 14 grams of pure alcohol. This amount is found in one:
- 1.5 oz. of liquor (40% alcohol content).
- 5 oz. of wine (12% alcohol content).
- 12 oz. of beer (5% alcohol content).
2.) It takes an average of 15 minutes for the alcohol in a drink to be absorbed into the blood. This time can be increased depending on stomach content.
3.) One standard drink raises your blood alcohol level .02 for males and .03 for females.
4.) It makes the human body an average of 1.5 – 2 hours to metabolize one standard drink.
5.) Moderate drinking is defined by the Centers for Disease Control as no more than one drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men
6.) One type of alcohol has is no safer to drink than another. It boils down to the amount of alcohol consumed. The saying, “beer before liquor, never sicker” or “liquor before beer, you’re in the clear” is a myth.
7.) Binge drinking is defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism as, “a pattern of alcohol consumption that brings the BAL to .08 or more.” This drinking typically corresponds to five or more drinks for men or four or more drinks for women in a single occasion, generally within two hours.
8.) When going out, count the number of drinks you consume and alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
9.) Stick to single liquor cocktails and avoid shots. Shots go down quick and leave you empty handed, opening up the door to overconsumption.
These tips and education will help you be smart the next time you have a drink. If you want to learn more, contact the ADAPT clinic at 696-5380.
References:
1. National Institutes on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 2010. Beyond Hangovers: Understanding Alcohol’s Impact on your Health. Retrieved Apr 5, 2017 (https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Hangovers/beyondHangovers.htm).
2. Centers for Disease Control. 2016. Alcohol FAQs. Retrieved Apr 9, 2017 (https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm).