SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Promoting Health and Wellness: A Guide to Responsible Alcohol Consumption

As members of the Hialeah community, we are committed to promoting the health and well-being of our residents. One important aspect of our mission is to raise awareness about responsible alcohol consumption, guided by valuable insights from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Understanding the Guidelines:

SAMHSA emphasizes the importance of moderation when it comes to alcohol consumption, particularly among adults aged 21 and older. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest that if individuals choose to drink alcohol, doing so in moderation is preferable to excessive consumption. However, it is crucial to note that there is no safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy or when planning to become pregnant.

What Constitutes a Standard Drink?

It's essential to understand what constitutes a standard drink to make informed choices:

- Beer: A standard drink of beer is 12 ounces with a 5% alcohol content.

- Malt Liquor: This beverage has 7% alcohol content, typically in an 8-ounce serving.

- Wine: A standard drink of wine is 5 ounces with a 12% alcohol content.

- Distilled Spirits: Commonly known as liquor or spirits, a standard drink is 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits, which has a 40% alcohol content.

Recognizing Excessive Drinking:

SAMHSA identifies several signs that may indicate excessive drinking habits, including:

- Drinking more or for a longer period than intended

- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop drinking

- Increased tolerance, requiring more alcohol to achieve the desired effect

- Continued drinking despite negative consequences on mental health or other health issues

- Concerns expressed by loved ones or friends about one's drinking habits

- Spending significant time drinking or thinking about drinking

- Interference of drinking with daily activities, relationships, or work

- Legal issues related to alcohol consumption

- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, such as shaking, sweating, tremors, headaches, anxiety, irritability, or insomnia

Tools and Resources for Responsible Drinking:

To assist individuals in managing their alcohol consumption responsibly, SAMHSA offers practical tools and resources:

- Screen4Success: A 10-minute screening tool available through the "Talk. They Hear You." app helps individuals assess their risk levels related to alcohol use.

- Rethinking Drinking Tools: These include worksheets and calculators designed to aid individuals in evaluating and managing their drinking habits effectively, whether they aim to cut back or quit.

Strategies for Prevention and Support

Preventing excessive drinking involves adopting proactive strategies:

- Establishing daily and weekly drinking limits

- Monitoring alcohol intake consistently

- Avoiding triggers that may lead to excessive drinking

- Seeking support from friends, family, or healthcare providers

- Consulting with healthcare professionals about alcohol use and its potential impact on health

- Considering treatment options tailored to individual needs, including counseling, medications, or participation in mutual support groups

Advocating for Evidence-Based Policies

At the Hialeah Community Coalition, we support evidence-based policies to reduce alcohol misuse and related harms, such as:

- Regulating alcohol outlet density

- Enforcing minimum legal purchase ages

- Restricting days or hours of alcohol sales

- Implementing alcohol taxes and minimum pricing

- Limiting alcohol advertising and marketing

- Upholding dram shop (commercial host) liability laws

We encourage our community members to stay informed about local efforts to prevent underage drinking by staying informed about their state's initiatives and reports.

In conclusion, while moderate alcohol consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle for some adults, understanding the risks associated with excessive drinking and utilizing available resources can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their alcohol use and overall well-being. We can promote a healthier community through education, support, and responsible choices.

For more information visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/atod/alcohol