working to reduce adult heavy and binge drinking

Heavy drinking is defined by the CDC as consuming 15 or more drinks per week for men and 8 or more drinks per week for women. 

Binge drinking is defined by the CDC as consuming 5 or more drinks on an occasion for men and 4 or more drinks on an occasion for women. 

•  Drinking excessively on an occasion can lead to these harmful health effects: 
• Injuries - motor vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, and burns
• Violence - homicide, suicide, sexual violence, and intimate partner violence
• Alcohol Poisoning - high blood alcohol levels that affect body functions like breathing and heart rate
• Overdose - from alcohol use with other drugs, like opioids
• Sexually Transmitted Infections or Unplanned Pregnancy - alcohol use can lead to sex without protection, which can cause these conditions
• Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) - from any alcohol use during pregnancy

 Over time, drinking alcohol can have these effects: 

•  Drinking any alcoholic beverages, including red and white wine, beer, and liquor, is linked with cancer
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Disease
• Liver Disease
• Stroke
• Alcohol Use Disorder - this affects both physical and mental health
• Digestive Problems
• Weaker Immune System
• Mental Health Conditions including anxiety or depression 
• Learning Problems at school or work
• Memory Problems including dementia
• Relationship Problems with family and friends