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What is alcohol?
Alcohol in beer, wine, and liquor is ethanol. It changes how the brain communicates, affecting judgment, mood, memory, and coordination. Feeling more relaxed does not mean someone is less impaired. Effects depend on factors such as how much and how quickly someone drinks, other substances or medicines, and individual health. Source: NIAAA, alcohol’s effects on the body
One glass is not always one drink.
In the United States, a standard drink contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol. A large pour or strong beer can contain several standard drinks. These equivalents describe alcohol content; they are not a guarantee of safety.
- Beer: 12 fluid ounces at 5% alcohol.
- Wine: 5 fluid ounces at 12% alcohol.
- Liquor: 1.5 fluid ounces at 40% alcohol (80 proof).
Source: NIAAA standard drink guide
What the statistics tell us
U.S. people ages 12 and older had alcohol use disorder in the past year, according to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health as reported by NIAAA. That was 9.7% of this age group.
U.S. deaths per year were attributable to excessive alcohol use in CDC’s estimates for 2020–2021. This includes injuries and chronic conditions; it is not a count of alcohol poisoning alone.
NIAAA: 2024 alcohol use disorder estimates
CDC: deaths from excessive alcohol use, 2016–2021
What can addiction look like?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) involves difficulty controlling drinking despite harm. It can be mild, moderate, or severe. A person does not have to lose a job, drink every day, or reach a crisis before getting help.
Patterns worth discussing with a professional include drinking more than intended, repeatedly trying unsuccessfully to cut back, strong cravings, giving up valued activities, and continuing despite relationship or health problems. Needing more alcohol for the same effect or having withdrawal symptoms can also be warning signs. A clinician assesses symptoms over time; this page cannot diagnose AUD.
In everyday life, a concern might sound like “I keep promising to stop at two, but I don’t,” or “I keep missing things that matter because I’m drinking or recovering from it.” These are illustrative examples, not diagnostic tests.
Source: NIAAA, understanding AUD
How alcohol can affect health
Alcohol can harm the liver, heart, pancreas, and immune system and raise the risk of several cancers. Immediate impairment also increases risks of falls, crashes, and other injuries. A person can experience alcohol-related harm without meeting the criteria for AUD. Read NIAAA’s health effects overview
Withdrawal and overdose need medical attention.
Stopping suddenly after prolonged heavy drinking can be dangerous. Withdrawal may involve shaking, sweating, anxiety, or nausea and can progress to seizures or other life-threatening complications. Seek medical guidance before stopping if physical dependence may be present; this website does not provide a detox plan. Source: NIAAA, cutting down or quitting
Call 911 if someone is difficult to wake, has a seizure, or has slow or irregular breathing after drinking. Do not wait for every warning sign or assume they can sleep it off. Stay with them and follow emergency dispatcher instructions. Source: NIAAA alcohol overdose guide
What getting help can involve
Treatment may include behavioral therapy, medications prescribed by a medical professional, and recovery support. A medical assessment can help determine withdrawal needs and an appropriate level of care. Families can seek guidance for themselves, too. Explore the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator
Redwood offers counseling, sober companion support, and family support. Contact us with general questions about these services; urgent medical needs require medical care.
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