Alcohol

Vermont's past month alcohol use rates are higher than the U.S. average for all age groups

U.S. and Vermont drinking rates: ages 12+ is 47.5%, 59%; 12-17 is 6.9%, 9.6%; 18-25 is 49.5%, 63%; 26+ is 51.9%, 63%, respectively.

^Source:^{State Level Data National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2022-2023}

Health risks of alcohol use

People who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at 21.

Short-Term Excess Use	Long-Term Excess Use
Injuries from accidents or violence Alcohol poisoning Risky sexual behaviors Miscarriage or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) Death	High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke Liver disease Digestive problems Certain types of cancer Learning and memory problems Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety Social and family issues Alcohol dependence or addiction Death

How much alcohol is considered excess use?

What are moderate and excessive drinking?

Moderate drinking is defined as up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men.

Excessive drinking includes binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking by people who are pregnant or people younger than age 21.

Binge drinking is defined as consuming 4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more drinks for men.
Heavy drinking is defined as consuming 8 or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men.

What is a standard drink?

Standard Drink Equivalent Calculator

What is alcohol by volume (ABV)?

Alcohol by volume (ABV) affects drinking recommendations. ABV is a standard measure of how much alcohol (ethanol) is contained in a given volume of an alcoholic beverage (expressed as a volume percent). To calculate drink equivalents, multiply the volume in ounces by the alcohol content in percent and divide by 0.6 ounces of alcohol per drink equivalent.

Beer, beer coolers, and malt beverages	Drink Equivalents
12 fl oz at 4.2% alcohol	0.8
12 fl oz at 5% alcohol	1
16 fl oz at 5% alcohol	1.3
12 fl oz at 7% alcohol	1.4
12 fl oz at 9% alcohol	1.8

Wine	Drink Equivalents
5 fl oz at 12% alcohol	1
9 fl oz at 12% alcohol	1.8
5 fl oz at 15% alcohol	1.3
5 fl oz at 17% alcohol	1.4

Distilled Spirits	Drink Equivalents
1.5 fl oz 80 proof distilled spirits (40% alcohol)	1

Reducing the health risks of alcohol use

Drink in moderation
Drink a lot of water - before, during, and after drinking alcohol
Eat - especially foods high in protein
Space out drinks during a night out - the average person breaks down 1 drink an hour
Do not drink in front of people who are under 21
Store your alcohol safely away from children and pets

Curious about your drinking habits? Take the quiz!

You should not drink alcohol if you are:

Younger than age 21
Pregnant or may be pregnant
Driving, planning to drive, or participating in other activities requiring skill, coordination, and alertness
Taking certain prescription or over-the-counter medications that can interact with alcohol
With certain medical conditions
In recovery