How Much Wine Is Too Much?

Concerned You May Be Drinking Too Much Wine?

If you spend any time on social media, you’ve probably seen the memes, “It’s Wine O’Clock somewhere.” People joke about smuggling wine to soccer games in travel coffee mugs or staying hydrated by adding ice to their wine. The truth is, for many people, alcohol abuse is no laughing matter. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol abuse statistics have increased. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that there has been an increase in alcohol-related emergency room visits and deaths. Already, alcohol is the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S. 

Even so, Americans enjoy drinking wine. In 2021, Americans consumed 1.1 billion gallons of wine, which breaks down to about 3.18 gallons per resident. Since 2005, wine consumption per resident has increased by more than 30%. Like any other alcoholic beverage, wine can be abused, and this abuse can pave the road to alcoholism. 

It can be challenging to gauge how much wine is too much, particularly when medical recommendations regarding wine consumption and health risks for men and women have fluctuated in recent years. The science has been shifting based on the latest medical research. Once, it was believed that it was good for your health if you drank red wine (in moderation), but it’s not necessarily so. Leading medical providers like Mayo Clinic now report that some studies have found no healthful benefits associated with red wine linked to lower risk for heart disease. 

Currently, the Mayo Clinic recommends that women (of all ages) consume no more than one five-ounce glass of wine per day. Men under age 65 should consume no more than two glasses of wine each day, and men over 65 would drink no more than one glass of wine each day. Remember that drinking too much wine (or other alcoholic beverages) is linked to an increased risk of mental health problems, nervous system issues, Crohn’s disease, liver disease, cancer (i.e., breast cancer, liver cancer), stroke, alcohol poisoning, and more.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

How Much Alcohol Is in a Glass of Wine?

Like beer, the alcohol percentage tends to vary by type. Consequently, the kind of wine you drink will reflect how much alcohol is in your glass. On average, one glass of wine will contain between 11% and 15% alcohol. While you can check the bottle to find alcohol content, you may not always have access to the label if you’re out to dinner or offered a glass party or friend’s house. If the wine has a bold taste and leaves a heat sensation in the back of your mouth, there’s a good chance that it has higher alcohol content. To reduce health risks, prioritize drinking wine in moderation (if at all) and avoid excessive drinking.

Along with alcohol, see what other drugs are common in households:

https://whitesandstreatment.com/2017/05/08/top-10-most-common-drugs-household/

Top Ten Most Commonly Abused Drugs Found In The Home

The Definitions of Moderate, Heavy, and Binge Drinking

How much wine is too much to drink daily? A glass of wine per day constitutes moderate drinking for women and men (over age 65). Two glasses of wine per day is considered moderate drinking for men under age 65. NIAAA reports the following dietary guidelines for wine per day:

Heavy Drinking

Women: more than three drinks on any single day / more than seven drinks per week

Men: more than four glasses per day / more than 14 drinks in a week

Binge Drinking

Women: Consuming four or more drinks in two (or fewer) hours

Men: Consuming five or more drinks in two (or fewer) hours

Alcoholism Self Assessment

Alcoholism is another term for alcohol addiction. You should suspect that you have developed a dependence on alcohol if you experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink within a certain period. There are other signs that you may have developed an addiction or alcohol use disorder. If you answer yes to any of the following, you should get a professional evaluation to determine if you are suffering from alcoholism or drinking alcohol too much: 

• Do you habitually drink more than you intend to?
• Have you tried to stop drinking and been unsuccessful?
• Has your drinking alcohol impacted your relationships, job, or studies?
• Does your drinking cause you to engage in risk-taking behaviors? (i.e., drinking and driving)
• Do you experience cravings to drink at unusual times?
• Have the effects of alcohol diminished for you, causing you to drink more to experience them?
• Do you continue to drink even though your healthcare provider has advised you to stop?

Support for Alcohol Use Disorder at WhiteSands

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you should visit WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab for a professional alcohol abuse disorder evaluation. While it might feel impossible to stop drinking, it isn’t when you learn how to manage your condition with the strategies you develop in rehab. WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab features medical detox and a wide range of addiction treatments in Florida that can help you end your dependence on alcohol and lead a life of sobriety–and improved physical and mental health. 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.