Am I drinking too much alcohol?

Many people drink to relax or socialize, but there's no entirely safe level of alcohol consumption.Alcohol is toxic. Even small amounts of alcohol have negative effects on your body. Alcohol increases risk of cancer, liver disease, heart issues and even dementia. The more you drink, the higher your risk of developing alcohol-related health problems. If you do choose to drink, it's best to do so in moderation and be aware of the potential risks involved.

Currently, doctors advise people to drink in moderation. That means: For women, drinking no more than 1 drink per day and up to 7 drinks per week. For men, no more than 2 drinks per day and up to 14 drinks per week. Medwiki's Audit-C calculator can provide you with a more precise assessment of your drinking habits.. This quick screening consists of three questions and is adapted from the more comprehensive Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). High scores on the AUDIT test predict current or future alcohol problems, including alcohol dependence and hazardous drinking behaviors.

To calculate your Audit-C score, just answer the following three questions based on your alcohol consumption over the past year. Each question has specific answer choices that are assigned points, which are then summed to give you a total score on a scale of 0 to 12.

0-4: Low risk – Your drinking is within safe limits. 5-7: Increasing risk – You may want to monitor your drinking habits more closely. 8-10: Higher risk – Indicates potential alcohol misuse; consider seeking professional help. 11-12: Possible dependence – Strongly advised to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

If your Audit-C score indicates a risk of alcohol misuse, consider taking steps to manage your drinking: Decide on a maximum number of drinks you will have in a week and stick to it. Incorporate alcohol-free days into your week to help reduce your overall consumption. Avoid keeping alcohol at home which can help you resist the temptation to drink more than you planned. Share your concerns about your drinking habits with trusted individuals who can support you. If you are worried about your drinking patterns, reach out to a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or therapist, for guidance and support.