Do You Drink Too Much?

The US Institute of Medicine has estimated that one in 5 of the population are ‘problem drinkers’, who habitually exceed the acceptable daily limits of two drinks for men and one for women, or who binge, (5 or more drinks at one sitting). Older people are especially at risk of becoming chronic problem drinkers. Maybe you are worried that you, or a near one, are on the edge in this regard. You can check on this, using a 10-question test developed by the World Health Organization.

Dr Marvin Lipman, who is Consumers Union’s chief medical adviser, has developed some tips for those who may be nearing the critical margin; here are the ones I found most helpful:

Pace yourself – not more than a drink an hour, and alternate alcohol with non-alcoholic drinks.

Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Food delays the absorption of alcohol.

Use a ‘mixer’ rather than taking drinks neat or ‘on the rocks’; they take longer to drink.

And, of course, never drink and drive.

Good luck!