What distinguishes a standard drink from a heavy drinker?

A standard drink is defined by a specific amount of alcohol contained in a beverage, typically recognized as 14 grams of pure alcohol. This roughly translates to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. The concept of a standard drink serves as a guideline to help individuals understand and monitor their alcohol consumption.

Heavy drinkers are those who consume alcohol in amounts that exceed these designated standards consistently over time. By understanding that a standard drink contains a specific quantity of alcohol, it becomes clear how heavy drinkers surpass these limits, potentially leading to a range of negative health effects and risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. This distinction is essential for developing awareness about responsible drinking behaviors and recognizing when alcohol intake may be harmful.