Myth: I dont drink every day OR I only drink wine or beer, so I cant be an alcoholic. Fact: Alcoholism is NOT defined by what you drink, when you drink it, or even how much you drink. Its the EFFECTS of your drinking that define a problem.

Does drinking everyday make you an alcoholic?

While there are a number of variables, typically having a drink every night does not necessarily equate to alcohol use disorder, but it can increase the risk of developing alcohol-related health problems, Lawrence Weinstein, MD, Chief Medical Officer at American Addiction Centers tells WebMD Connect to Care.

How much do you have to drink to be considered an alcoholic?

For women, its having more than three drinks a day or seven a week. For men, its four or more per day or 14 a week. If you drink more than the daily or weekly limit, youre at risk.

What is considered a heavy drinker?

What do you mean by heavy drinking? For men, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 15 drinks or more per week. For women, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 8 drinks or more per week.

What is considered having a drinking problem?

You are drinking too much if you are: A woman who has more than seven drinks per week or more than three drinks per occasion. A man who has more than 14 drinks per week or more than four drinks per occasion. Older than 65 years and having more than seven drinks per week or more than three drinks per occasion.

What is the average life expectancy of an alcoholic?

People hospitalized with alcohol use disorder have an average life expectancy of 47–53 years (men) and 50–58 years (women) and die 24–28 years earlier than people in the general population.

What is considered heavy drinking in a day?

NIAAA defines heavy drinking as follows: For men, consuming more than 4 drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week. For women, consuming more than 3 drinks on any day or more than 7 drinks per week.