Alcohol
Alcohol can take a serious toll on your health—in both the short-term and the long-term.
What Counts as “One Drink”?
In the U.S., a standard alcoholic drink contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in:
- 12 ounces of regular beer (about 5% alcohol)
- 5 ounces of wine (about 12% alcohol)
- 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (about 40% alcohol)
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Short-Term Effects
From reduced inhibitions to slurred speech and memory problems, see how alcohol immediately affects the body.
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Long-Term Effects
Alcohol can cause changes to the brain and damage to organs including the heart, liver, and pancreas.
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Mixing Alcohol with Medicine
Medicines you may never have suspected—including OTC and herbal drugs—can react dangerously with alcohol.