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Letter: Moderation is essential in alcohol consumption

Moderation is essential in alcohol consumption

April marks Alcohol Awareness Month. Sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence since 1987, the goal is to reduce alcohol abuse and encourage adults who choose to drink, to do so responsibly.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, most adults who drink alcohol do so in moderation and are at low risk for developing problems related to their drinking. The key is moderation.

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines define moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. The guidelines define a standard drink as 12 fluid ounces of regular beer, 5 fluid ounces of wine and 1.5 fluid ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits. Each of these standard drinks contains the same amount of alcohol.

Take some time to reflect on your own alcohol consumption to ensure it falls within the moderate drinking guidelines. Physicians can also provide guidance on questions related to alcohol and health, and can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks of alcohol consumption based on your family background, medical history and personal drinking decisions.

Eleni Tousimis, M.D., F.A.C.S.

President, American Medical

Women’s Association