Look well, feel well, live well
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a drinking pattern that raises blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% (or 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter) or higher. For most adults, binge drinking typically means consuming five or more drinks for men, or four or more for women, within about two hours.
Understanding how many standard drinks are in alcoholic beverages helps you track your alcohol intake and make healthier choices. However, many people don’t realize what actually counts as one drink.
Alcohol content varies widely between beer, wine, and spirits, so the size of a drink doesn’t always reflect how much alcohol it contains. For instance:
In the U.S., a standard drink contains approximately 14 grams (0.6 fluid ounces) of pure alcohol. However, the actual volume of a drink that delivers this amount varies by beverage type (see chart for details).
Knowing the alcohol content of your drink—not just the size—is key to drinking responsibly.
Knowing why you drink is the first step toward making a change. Is it to relax, fit in, or cope with stress? Once you’re clear on your reasons, it’s easier to make a plan that works for you. Keep your motivation front and center—write it down, set phone reminders, or post visual cues that keep you focused on your “why.”
Ready to cut back? Start small—any positive step counts. Here’s how to build a plan that sticks:
If one strategy doesn’t work, try another. Progress is personal—find what fits your life.
Binge drinking among adults in Delaware County has reached concerning levels. The most recent Community Health Assessment (CHA) revealed the following:
Prevalence: 33% of adults in Delaware County, or approximately 51,533 individuals, are considered binge drinkers. This marks a significant increase from 15% in 2007.
Comparison to State and National Averages: Delaware County’s binge drinking rate is more than double the 16% reported for both Ohio and the U.S.
Target Demographic: The highest prevalence is observed among males aged 33-64 with annual incomes exceeding $100,000.
Maryhaven is Central Ohio’s leading nonprofit provider of behavioral health and addiction treatment services. Since 1953, it has supported over 350,000 individuals through a comprehensive range of programs, including residential and outpatient care, medically assisted treatment, detox services, and specialized support for women, adolescents, and those facing homelessness. Operating across multiple campuses in Columbus and surrounding counties, Maryhaven emphasizes compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals at all stages of recovery.
HelpLine is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening emotional health and wellness in Delaware, Morrow, Crawford, Wyandot, and Union counties. It offers free, 24/7 crisis support through a hotline and texting service, connects individuals to community resources via a 211 information line, and provides prevention programs focused on suicide, sexual assault, and family violence. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, HelpLine fosters connections and empowers individuals to achieve better mental health.
Established in 1969, DMMHRSB is a public agency that plans, funds, and monitors mental health and addiction services in Delaware and Morrow counties. Its mission is to promote wellness and support recovery by ensuring access to high-quality, evidence-based behavioral health services. The board collaborates with local providers and manages federal, state, and local funds to address the evolving behavioral health needs of the community.
Serving Delaware County, Delaware City, and Powell, the Delaware Public Health District is a Combined Health District focused on fostering, protecting, and improving the health and environment of its community. It offers a wide range of services, including immunizations, disease prevention, environmental health inspections, and care coordination programs. The district has contributed to Delaware County being ranked as the healthiest county in Ohio for multiple years.
