Clinical Psychology Associates of North Central
Florida, P.A.       WWW.CPANCF.COM

Providing
Quality Psychological Consultation, Assessment and Treatment to the North Central Florida Community

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Clinical
Psychology Associates of N.C.FL., P.A,
Palms Medical
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2121
NW 40th Terrace, Suite B                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3002
SE 1st Ave., Blg 300

Gainesville, FL
32605                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Ocala, FL
34471

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(352) 336-2888 Fax 371-1730                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     (352)
629-1100 Fax 629-1808

What is “One Drink” ?

by Kay Hurlock, Psy.D.

When talking about normal drinking, alcohol
use, and alcohol abuse, psychologists and addiction professionals often refer
to the definition of “a drink”.  While professionals often understand
what is meant, the definition they refer to is important to understand how much
you are consuming.  We have all
encountered individuals who when asked how much do they drink respond by
stating just 2-3 per day.  Without
further questioning it is often discovered a glass or drink actually consisted
of as much as a third or a half bottle of wine.  “A beer” for some may mean a
12 ounce can, for others a “tall one” and more rarely even a
quart!  In some cases we discover
someone’s definition of “two or three glasses of wine” was
the equivalent of 8 drinks per day.

So then, what exactly is a standard drink?.  A standard
drink is one drink that contains an estimated 14 grams of pure alcohol.  Below are standard drink
equivalents.  These are approximate,
as different brands of beverages vary in their actual alcohol content.

12 oz of beer                          5-6
oz of table wine               1.5
oz of liquor (single cooler jigger of 80-proof vodka, gin, brandy, whiskey,
etc.)

So why does it matter how many “standard drinks” you
have?  As evidenced by my
patient’s description of her drinking, you can easily deceive yourself
that your drinking is under control.
Individuals often fool themselves that their drinking is under control
because they are “just” drinking 2-3 drinks per day.  Having an accurate estimate of alcohol
intake provides a better opportunity for assessing your need for help or if you
are drinking responsibly.

According to some studies there may be some positive health
effects to having “one drink”.
However more is not better, since regular consumptions of more than one
per day for most women, or more than two per day for most men is linked with
increased health effects over time.
More
information is available about alcohol, men and women.

You may wish to ask
yourself these questions if you wonder if you may have and alcohol problem.

Please call Clinical Psychology Associates of North Central Florida, P.A. at (352) 336-2888 for information
about this or any of our programs. We are dedicated to providing quality psychological
assessment, consultation, & treatment services to the North Central Florida Community.

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