Drink responsibly
Understanding a drink is part of respecting it.
Alcohol affects people differently. This is general educational information, not medical advice or an individualized drinking plan. The surest way to avoid alcohol-related risk is not to drink.
Standard drink
Quantity matters.
In the United States, one standard drink contains about 14 grams (0.6 fl oz) of pure alcohol—roughly 12 fl oz of 5% beer, 5 fl oz of 12% wine, or 1.5 fl oz of 40% spirits. Serves and ABVs vary, so labels matter.
Low-risk context
Less and slower is safer.
Public-health guidance uses population-level limits, not guarantees of safety. A conservative approach is to drink less, drink more slowly, eat, hydrate, take alcohol-free days, and choose not to drink in higher-risk situations.
Impairment
Never drive after drinking.
Alcohol can impair reaction time and judgment before a person feels obviously intoxicated. Plan a sober ride, avoid cycling or operating equipment, and never rely on coffee, a shower, or “feeling fine” to reverse impairment.
Possible alcohol poisoning
Treat warning signs as an emergency.
Warning signs can include inability to wake or stay conscious, confusion, repeated vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, pale or bluish skin, or very low body temperature.