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Alcohol and Public Health (Part 2)

What does moderate drinking mean?

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as having up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men. This definition is referring to the amount consumed on any single day and is not intended as an average over several days. The Dietary Guidelines do not recommend that people who do not drink alcohol start drinking for any reason.

Is it safe to drink alcohol and drive?

No. Alcohol use slows reaction time and impairs judgment and coordination, which are all skills needed to drive a car safely. The more alcohol consumed, the greater the impairment.

What does it mean to be above the legal limit for drinking?

The legal limit for drinking is the alcohol level above which an individual is subject to legal penalties, such as arrest or loss of a driver's license. Legal limits are

  • measured using either a blood alcohol test or a breathalyzer
  • typically defined by state law, and may vary based on individual characteristics, such as age and occupation

All states in the United States have adopted 0.08% (80 mg/dl) as the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle for drivers aged 21 years or older. However, drivers younger than 21 are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle with any level of alcohol in their system.

Legal limits do not define a level below which it is safe to operate a vehicle or engage in some other activity. Impairment due to alcohol use begins to occur at levels well below the legal limit.

How do I know if it's okay to drink?

The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans some people should not drink alcoholic beverages at all including

  • anyone younger than age 21
  • women who are or may become pregnant
  • people who are driving, planning to drive, or are participating in other activities requiring, skill, coordination, and alertness
  • people taking certain prescription or over-the-counter medications that can interact with alcohol
  • people with certain medical conditions
  • people who are recovering from alcoholism or who are unable to control the amount they drink

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Reviewed 2018, March 29). In Alcohol and public health. Retrieved September 16, 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/

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