If heavy alcohol consumption is typical in your social circle, you may consider this drinking behavior normal and not see any reason to cut back. You may also not realize that your drinking pattern goes beyond moderation. So, what is considered a heavy drinker? And what are the potential consequences of heavy drinking?
In general, a heavy drinker is someone who regularly consumes excessive amounts of alcohol. However, there is no single definition for this term as it can vary based on individual factors such as age, gender, weight, and overall health. If you’re worried about your alcohol consumption, Promises Recovery Ranch PA can help you take back control and prevent alcohol abuse from leading to further harm. Call our team at 717.969.9126 or contact us online to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment program in Wrightsville, PA.
What Is Heavy Drinking?
For some people, drinking in moderation can be reasonably effortless. They have one or two drinks on special occasions—such as holidays, birthdays, or dinners out—and that is the extent of their alcohol consumption. But, limiting themselves to just a few drinks is a more significant challenge for others. One drink quickly becomes three, four, or more in a single sitting, and drinking starts to occur more regularly, sometimes every day or two.
But what is considered a heavy drinker versus a moderate drinker, and how can you reduce your consumption? Understanding the difference between moderate drinking and heavy drinking can be eye-opening, alerting you to a potential dependence or addiction to alcohol. If you discover that your drinking patterns are potentially harmful, it is time to reach out for help.
The Definition in the US
Heavy drinking refers to consuming alcohol in quantities that exceed the recommended guidelines set by health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heavy drinking is defined as:
- Eight or more drinks per week for women
- 15 or more drinks per week for men
Compare these quantities to moderate drinking, which is considered to be up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. According to these definitions, anything more than moderate drinking is considered heavy.
The Dangers of Heavy Drinking
Heavy drinking can have severe consequences for your physical and mental health, especially over the long term. Here are some potential dangers of heavy drinking to consider:
- Anxiety and depression – There is a greater risk of mental health conditions in response to heavy drinking.
- Cognitive impairment – Heavy drinking can lead to memory loss and difficulty with problem-solving and decision-making.
- Accidents and injuries – Drinking heavily can increase the risk of being involved in accidents and injuries like falls, burns, and car accidents.
- Liver damage – Long-term heavy drinking can have devastating consequences for the liver, as this organ is responsible for breaking down alcohol in the body.
- Cancer – Chronic heavy drinking can increase the risk of developing various types of cancers, including liver, throat, mouth, breast, and colon cancer.
As you can see, the dangers of heavy drinking increase in severity the longer you engage in this pattern of alcohol consumption.
How to Cut Back on Heavy Drinking
If you realize that your alcohol consumption is considered heavy drinking, the first step to getting back in control of your drinking is to try cutting back. A few ways to do this are:
- Identifying why you want to reduce alcohol consumption
- Monitoring your intake
- Substituting alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic alternatives
- Seeking support from loved ones
- Addressing underlying issues that contribute to heavy drinking, like untreated mental health conditions, stress, or peer pressure
However, if heavy drinking has developed into dependence or addiction, you may need the support of professionals at an addiction treatment center.
Reach Out to Recovery Ranch PA to Start Overcoming Alcohol Addiction
Long-term heavy drinking can be detrimental to your well-being, but quitting now can significantly reduce the risk of chronic or severe health problems. Contact Recovery Ranch PA online or call 717.969.9126 today to eliminate alcohol from your life and move on to a healthy, sober lifestyle.
