Addiction
Alcohol Abuse - What You Should Know
Everything in Moderation. If you drink alcoholic beverages, please do so in moderation.
Women: No more than one drink a day.
Men: No more than two drinks a day.
12 ounces of regular beer
5 ounces of wine
1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits
Children & adolescents
Those of any age that cannot restrict their drinking to moderate levels.
Women who may become pregnant or who are pregnant.
Those who plan to drive, operate machinery or take part in activities requiring attention or skill.
Individuals taking prescription or OTC medications that may interact with alcohol.
Answering these four questions can help determine whether you or someone close to you, have a drinking problem. To help remember these questions, note that the keyword in each of them spells “CAGE”. One yes response suggests a possible alcohol problem. If a person answers yes to more than one question, it is highly likely that a problem exists.
C —Have you ever felt that you should CUT DOWN on your drinking?
A —Have people ANNOYED you by criticizing your drinking?
G —Have you ever felt bad or GUILTY about your drinking?
E — Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning, an EYE-OPENER, to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
If you answered "yes" to one or more of the CAGE questions, or if drinking in moderation is a challenge for you or a loved one, help is available.