Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines maximize life, minimize risk • Back to Main Page In Canada a Standard Drink contains 13.6 grams of alcohol. The following beverages are all standard drinks and contain the same amount of alcohol: 341 ml/12 oz of regular beer (5% alcohol)    142ml/ 5 oz of wine (12%alcohol) 43 ml/ 1.5 oz of spirits (40% alcohol) Healthy people of legal drinking age who choose to drink need to be aware of how to reduce the risks of alcohol related problems. Some of these can include injuries, depression and suicide, alcohol dependence, and damage to the liver and brain. By following these Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines you have a better chance of avoiding these problems. # Of Drinks Risk 0 Lowest risk of an alcohol - related problem 2 No more than 2 standard drinks on any one day 9 Women: up to 9 standard drinks a week 14 Men: up to 14 standard drinks a week Drink slowly to avoid intoxication, waiting at least one hour between each drink. Have plenty of food and alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks Some people should not use alcohol! People who have health problems such as liver disease or certain mental illnesses People taking any medications. Talk to your doctor before drinking any alcohol! People who have a personal, or family history of alcohol abuse People that have a personal or family history of cancer or other risk factors for cancer People that are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding People operating motor vehicles Anyone who needs to be alert People who operate machinery Anyone responsible for the safety of others Anyone who is a minor or who is under legal restriction Also Remember… If you have chosen to abstain from drinking, don’t start up for it’s protective effective effects against heart disease. There are less risky alternatives that can also aid in this such as exercise, proper nutrition and quitting smoking. If you choose to drink, the protective effects of alcohol can be achieved with as little as one standard drink every other day. For the facts on alcohol and health, or to find our about he Low – Risk Drinking Guidelines campaign, visit www.lrdg.net. References: Low – Risk Drinking Guidelines: maximize life, minimize risk (2004) To the top