If you are drinking more than four or more for women or five or more for men on the same occasion, it means you are drinking way too much
Many occasionally enjoy drinking alcohol, thinking it is not likely to harm in the long run, as excess can have substantial negative effects on the body and well-being. However, it remains confusing as to what point drinking becomes harmful to health and how much is too much.
Since standard alcoholic drinks vary in different countries, it is important to keep in mind how much alcohol content you are consuming. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the US Department of Agriculture, and the US Department of Health and Human Services, moderate drinking involves up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Studies say only about 2 per cent of those who drink within these limits have an alcohol use disorder. Binge drinking, heavy drinking, alcoholism, or alcohol dependence come under problematic drinking. So, if you are drinking more than four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men on the same occasion, it means you are drinking way too much.
How does alcohol affect your body?
Even though any amount of alcohol consumption can have extremely negative effects, a few ways it causes trouble include:
Effects on your brain
Too much alcohol consumption can lead to disastrous effects on your central nervous system. There are many factors that lead to how it affects your brain—including how much you consume at one time, at what age you began drinking, and your gender.
It leads to slurring, memory impairment, and compromised hand-eye coordination. According to experts, alcohol bingeing also causes memory deficits and can lead to Alzheimer's disease in women.
Effect on your liver
The long-term effect of alcohol dependency leads to liver damage. Experts say alcohol metabolises your liver, producing potentially harmful byproducts that can damage your liver cells. However, as you continue drinking over time, your liver health goes down.
It causes alcoholic fatty liver disease, which causes a buildup of fat in your body’s liver cells—impairing your liver function. Later stages include liver inflammation, cirrhosis, and even liver failure, which can be fatal.
Alcohol dependency
Drinking alcohol can be both mentally and physically addicting, as experts say that it leads to a compulsive urge and addiction. According to experts, the cause of this dependence can be complex and may be caused in part by genetics and family history.
Mental health issues
There are many other side effects of chronic alcohol use, which include mental health issues like depression and anxiety. While some people use alcohol as a quick fix to improve their mood and reduce anxiety, it only provides short-term relief. In the long term, it worsens your overall mental health.
Who should abstain from drinking alcohol?
Do not drink alcohol if you are:
Pregnant or breastfeeding
For women who are pregnant and breastfeeding, alcohol should be completely avoided.
Medical conditions
Those battling medical issues like liver problems, diabetes, and kidney disease should not drink.
Medications
Since alcohol interacts with over-the-counter herbal and prescription medications, do not drink if you take antidepressants, antibiotics, and opioids.
Underage
Do not drink alcohol if you are a teenager or underage, as it can lead to immediate and long-term disastrous effects.
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