Alcohol Terms


            The Standard Measure of Alcohol

            In the United States, a standard drink has about half an ounce (13.7 grams or 1.2 tablespoons) of pure alcohol.
            Generally, this amount of pure alcohol is found in:

                  • 12 ounces of regular beer or wine cooler.

                  • 8 ounces of malt liquor.

                  • 5 ounces of wine.

                  • 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits or “liquor” (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey).



            Levels and Patterns of Drinking

                  • Heavy drinking
                        • For women, more than 1 drink per day on average
                        • For men, more than 2 drinks per day on average

                  • Binge drinking
                        • For women, 4 or more drinks during a single occasion
                        • For men, 5 or more drinks during a single occasion

            Excessive drinking includes heavy drinking, binge drinking or both.



            Alcohol Abuse

            Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships or ability to
            work. Manifestations of alcohol abuse include:

                  • Failure to fulfill major responsibilities at work, school or home.

                  • Drinking in dangerous situations, such as drinking while driving or operating machinery.

                  • Legal problems related to alcohol, such as being arrested for drinking while driving or for physically hurting
                    someone while drunk.

                  • Continued drinking despite ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by drinking.

                  • Long-term alcohol abuse can turn into alcohol dependence.



            Alcohol Dependence

            Dependency on alcohol, also known as alcohol addiction and alcoholism, is a chronic disease. The signs and
            symptoms of alcohol dependence include:

                  • A strong craving for alcohol.

                  • Continued use despite repeated physical, psychological or interpersonal problems.

                  • The inability to limit drinking.

                  • Physical illness when one stops drinking.

                  • The need to drink increasing amounts to feel its effects.



            Page last modified: August 6, 2008
            Content source: Division of Adult and Community Health,
            National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion