You’ve likely heard the terms “drink in moderation” or “drink responsibly”, but seldom does anyone define what this means.  Based on research by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a guideline has been developed to define what “Drinking Responsibly” means.  The core of this guideline is 0-1-3.  In fact, the U.S. Air Force is using a version of the 0-1-3 since 2004.

Here is what the formula refers to:

0 = For health reasons, some people should not drink at all.

• Children and adolescents
• Individuals who cannot restrict their drinking to moderate levels.
• Women who may become pregnant or who are pregnant.
• Individuals who are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that can interact with alcohol.

1 = No more than 1 drink per hour.

• Speaking generally, for a person weighing 150 lbs, the liver can remove one serving of alcohol from the body per hour.
• The effects alcohol has on the body can vary greatly from person to person, however.

3 = No more than 3 drinks per occasion.

• Drinking to be social does not mean drinking to intoxication.
• Responsible use of alcohol means we maintain control of our behaviors – not allowing alcohol to lead to poor decisions.

Excess alcohol use alters judgment and can lead to dependency and a great many other serious health problems.  Taking more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men can raise the risk for motor vehicle crashes, other injuries, high blood pressure, stroke, violence, suicide and certain types of cancer.

This information was provided by the Riverhaven Coordinating Agency and Cherry Street Health Promotion Services – 989-831-4591 – JohnKroneck@CherryHealth.com