Drinking alcohol is a personal choice; however, it’s important to know the risks.
The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk for health and social harms, including:
Drinking less benefits you and others. No matter how much you typically drink, less alcohol is better for your health. For individuals who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding, the safest choice is to drink no alcohol at all.
Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines (LRDGs) can support you in making informed decisions about your drinking and your health.
Greater weekly alcohol use increases risk.
- 0 drinks per week is no risk. Not drinking has benefits, such as better health and better sleep.
- 1 to 2 standard drinks per week is low risk. You will likely avoid alcohol-related consequences for yourself and others.
- 3 to 6 standard drinks per week is moderate risk. Your risk of developing several different types of cancers increases.
- 7 or more standard drinks per week is high risk. Your risk of heart disease or stroke increases. Each additional drink radically increases the risk of alcohol-related consequences.
- Beer: 341 ml (12 oz) at 5% alcohol
- Cooler, cider or ready-to-drink: 341 ml (12 oz) at 5% alcohol
- Wine: 142 ml (5 oz) at 12% alcohol
- Spirits (whisky, vodka, gin, etc.): 43 ml (1.5 oz) at 40% alcohol
If I choose to drink alcohol, how do I reduce my risks?
- Set a weekly drinking target.
- Stick to the limits you’ve set for yourself.
- Drink slowly.
- Drink lots of water.
- For every drink of alcohol, have one non-alcoholic drink.
- Choose alcohol-free or low-alcohol beverages.
- Eat before and while you’re drinking.
- Have alcohol-free weeks or do alcohol-free activities.
How can I talk to my kids about alcohol?
Youth and teens should delay their drinking for as long as possible, as it can harm the way the body and brain develop.
The following resources are available to help you have open and meaningful conversations about alcohol with the youth in your life:
Where can I go for help?
If you're worried about yourself or someone you know, there are places that can help.
Adult Services:
Child and Youth Services:
- Mental Health Crisis Line for Children and Youth: 1-844-287-9072
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text TALK to 686868 (English) and TEXTO to 686868 (French).
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