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Alcohol

Drinking alcohol is a personal choice. But if you choose to drink, you should know what the risks are when it comes to consuming alcohol and know what you can do to decrease those risks.

What are the risks?

Consuming alcohol can increase your risk of injury or harm and can also increase your risk of long-term chronic health problems. 

To find out more about what the risks are and what matters when it comes to alcohol visit rethinkyourdrinking.ca

What can you do?

Following Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines promotes low risk drinking which supports a culture of moderation and healthy lifestyles.

  • Women should have no more than
    • 2 drinks most days
    • 10 drinks a week
  • Men should have no more than
    • 3 drinks most days
    • 15 drinks a week
  • Plan non-drinking days to avoid developing a habit
  • One Standard Drink equals:
    • 17.05 ml (0.6 oz.) of pure alcohol
    • 341 ml (12oz.) glass of 5% alcohol content (beer, cider, cooler)
    • 142 ml (5 oz.) glass of 12% alcohol content wine
    • 43 ml (1.5 oz.) of 40% distilled alcohol (rum, vodka, rye, etc.)

Learn more 

The Middlesex-London Health Unit created a video that explains the Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines.  You can view it on YouTube - Understanding Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines

Standard Drink Activities

Check out this online tool from Éduc'alcool to test your knowledge and see if you can pour a standard drink.

You can also try your hand at pouring a standard drink and learn more about Canada’s Low Risk Drinking Guidelines at one of our standard drink size activities. Contact your local Health Unit office to find out when the next one will be in your community or request one for your workplace, health fair or event.

Alcohol and Parenting

Alcohol is the drug most often used by students in Grades 7 to 12.  Rates of alcohol use are significantly higher in the north and chances are high that your child will be exposed to alcohol in some way during his or her school years.  As parents or guardians, you can help to prevent or delay your child’s use of alcohol.  For more information on how to talk with your child check out parentactionpack.ca from Parent Action on Drugs.

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