How Much Can You Drink Per Day? Here’s What The Experts Say

Last Updated on 2023-03-22 , 3:53 pm

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to work from home, I had a difficult decision to make: cook or order food. 

After about 20 seconds of deliberation, I decided to go with four McSpicys for lunch, as I tend to eat a lot in the afternoon.

I did this every day for about six months until I returned to the office recently. When my lunch order came, everyone started thanking me for treating them to lunch.

Confused, I told them that all four burgers were for me, and a painful silence fell upon us, as they stared at me like I had just slaughtered a close-knit family of rabbits.

A day later, they held an intervention and told me that I had an addiction to McSpicys and needed a break. They were right.

As I discovered, you can actually have an addiction and be completely unaware of it. McSpciys may be addictive, but it can’t hold a candle to alcohol.

Are We Drinking Too Much?

We all love a drink, but are we drinking too much?

According to a 2016 study, alcohol use disorder is the second most common mental disorder in Singapore.

Those with this disorder have an inability to control their drinking due to both a physical and emotional dependence on alcohol.

It may have started out as a way to deal with other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, but many end up getting hooked because of the feeling of pleasure it triggers.

How Much Can You Drink Every Day?

So, how much are we allowed to drink?

According to recommendations from the National Addictions Management Service in Singapore (NAMS), men should limit themselves to two standard drinks a day, while women should have no more than one standard drink daily.

Reader: That’s great because a standard drink for me is about nine beers. 

Ah, that’s where I have some bad news for you, dear reader.

A standard alcoholic drink in Singapore contains 10g of alcohol. Some examples include:

• A 330ml can of beer (5% alcohol)
• Half a 175ml glass of wine (15% alcohol)
• One 35ml shot of spirits (40% alcohol)

Reader: I should have done my work instead of clicking on this article.

Don’t leave just yet, dear reader, because there are quite a few health issues you could suffer from if you continue to drink too much.

Health Issues Associated With Heavy Drinking

According to Mount Elizabeth Hospital,  binge drinking can cause immediate problems such as acute intoxication, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, impaired judgment, and alcohol poisoning.

And in the long term, heavy consumption could lead to a host of medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, liver cancer, and memory impairment, to name a few.

Alcohol use disorder is treatable, but many sufferers aren’t even aware they have a problem.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction 

Some signs of alcohol addiction are easy to spot, while others may only be discerned by the sufferers themselves.

Here are some signs of alcohol dependence to look out for:

• Making excuses for drinking such as to relax, deal with stress, or feel normal
• Choosing to drink over other responsibilities and obligations
• Continuing to consume alcohol despite the negative impact it is having on one’s relationships
• Becoming isolated and distant from friends and family members
• Drinking alone or in secrecy
• Over time, requiring more alcohol to achieve the desired intoxicating effects
• Attempt to stop or cut down are unsuccessful

One misconception that many people have is that alcohol dependence is a choice. But it’s not. It’s a disease. 

Just as you wouldn’t ask someone with high blood pressure to just chill, those with alcohol addictions should be taken seriously and treated.

If you or someone you know needs help, here are some helplines you can call:

Alcoholics Anonymous: 8112 8089

Al-Anon Family Group: 9774 2539

NAMS: 6-RECOVER (6-7326837)

WE CARE Community Services: 6732 6837