Alcohol is a normalized part of relaxation, social gatherings, and celebrations. We now know that drinking alcohol increases the risk of many short-term, long-term, and second-hand harms. That’s why if you drink, it’s better to drink less.
- Short-term harms include alcohol poisoning and injuries
- Long-term harms include at least seven types of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, digestive problems, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and mental health problems
- Second-hand harms include violence, family and relationship dysfunction, motor vehicle collisions, and property damage.
Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health helps people make informed decisions about alcohol use and their health.
The more you drink per week, the more the consequences add up.
- No risk: 0 standard drinks per week
- Not drinking has benefits, such as better health and better sleep
- Low risk: 1 to 2 standard drinks per week
- You will likely avoid alcohol-related consequences for yourself and others
- Moderate risk: 3 to 5 standard drinks per week
- Your risk of developing several different types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer, increases
- Increasingly high risk: 7 or more standard drinks per week
- Each additional standard drink radically increases the risk of these alcohol-related consequences
If you’re going to drink, make sure you don’t exceed 2 drinks on any day to reduce the risk of harms to yourself or others.
Standard size your drink
People who drink often over-pour at home and many restaurants serve more than a standard drink in their glasses or bottles. For Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health, a standard serving size beverage is:
- 341 ml (12 oz) of beer, cider, or cooler (4 to 5% alcohol)
- 43 ml (1.5 oz) of liquor (40% alcohol)
- 142 ml (5 oz) of wine (10 to 12% alcohol)
Getting help with alcohol consumption
Looking for help? You are not alone. There are many programs and resources available to support you.
