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How much alcohol is too much?

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We have resources that can help

Drinking too much alcohol can impact your health, relationships, and can even put your life in danger. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that, from 2015 to 2019 in the U.S., alcohol use:

  • Led to more than 140,000 deaths.
  • Led to 3.6 million years in lost life.
  • Shortened the lives of those who died by an average of 26 years.
  • Was responsible for 1 in 5 deaths among adults ages 20 to 49 [1].

How much is too much?

There are many different types of excessive alcohol use that pose additional health and safety risks, including binge drinkingheavy drinking, any alcohol use by people under the age of 21, and any alcohol use by pregnant women.

Excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of many health conditions and concerns, including mental health problems, heart disease, liver disease, weakening of the immune system, and many more.

You can reduce your health risks by not drinking or limiting how much you drink. To learn more about how alcohol use impacts your health, visit: Drinking too much alcohol can harm your health. Learn the facts | CDC.

How our resources can help

If you or someone you love has a problem with alcohol use, we have resources that could help start the healing process.

  • Our Substance Misuse and Addiction Resources webpage has various resources to help members with alcohol misuse, including crisis resources, treatment programs, support groups for individuals who misuse alcohol, and support groups for family members affected by alcohol misuse.
  • Visit our behavioral health page to find programs and services for help improving or managing your behavioral health. You can also access digital tools that can support alcohol misuse recovery. Whether you are working to make a small change or healing from a significant behavioral health issue, we can help.

[1] Alcohol use and your health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed April 14, 2023. Accessed Aug. 28, 2023. cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm