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Empirically based guidelines for moderate drinking: 1-year results from three studies with problem drinkers
M Sanchez-Craig1, D A Wilkinson, R Davila
1Addiction Research Foundation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
American Journal of Public Health
|June 1, 1995
Summary
New sex-specific moderate drinking guidelines are proposed for problem drinkers. Men should limit intake to 4 drinks daily/16 weekly, and women to 3 drinks daily/12 weekly, to reduce alcohol-related harm.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
- Alcohol Research
Background:
- Problem drinking poses significant health risks.
- Existing moderate drinking guidelines may not adequately address hazardous alcohol use.
- Sex-specific data is crucial for refining alcohol consumption recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To refine moderate drinking guidelines for problem drinkers.
- To identify alcohol intake levels unlikely to cause harm.
- To provide data for health professionals, educators, and policymakers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of drinking patterns in participants from three heavy drinking intervention studies.
- Categorization of participants into "problem-free" and "problem" drinker groups based on follow-up reports.
- Examination of drinking measures to differentiate outcome categories using statistical analyses.
Main Results:
- Moderate drinking guidelines should be sex-specific.
- Recommended daily limits: 4 standard drinks for men, 3 for women.
- Recommended weekly limits: 16 standard drinks for men, 12 for women.
Conclusions:
- The proposed sex-specific guidelines are consistent with existing recommendations.
- These guidelines can aid in advising problem drinkers on moderation.
- The applicability of these guidelines to the general population requires further evaluation.