Consuming alcohol is legal in the majority of the U.S. for adults ages 21 and older. Alcohol is a beverage made from fermented grains or fruit, and it has been part of human civilization for at least 10,000 years. There are many kinds of alcohol from many cultures across the globe, although the types of alcohol are standardized to beer, wine, and liquor in the United States to help structure laws around
drinking. There are several subcategories to beer, wine, and liquor, and these subcategories help to define and regulate the production of specific alcoholic beverages. Understanding the specifics of alcohol types and content helps manufacturers, retail salespeople, bartenders, and consumers determine how much alcohol is in one serving, and therefore how much is consumed. Drinking may be legal for many adults. But even legal substances are associated with physical dependence and
addiction. At American Addiction Centers, we provide medical detox, treatment, and ongoing care. If you believe you have an alcohol use disorder (AUD), reach out to one of our admissions navigators at for the help that you need today.
How Alcohol Servings Are MeasuredThe type of alcohol consumed in alcoholic beverages is ethanol, typically produced by yeast during the fermentation process. While there are other types of alcohol – such as isopropyl or butyl alcohol – these are not safe for human consumption. The amount of alcohol found in beer, wine, and spirits can vary a little based on how high the proof is, which is measured in the U.S. with alcohol by volume (ABV) percentages. Proof for alcohol is generally twice the percentage of alcohol listed. Serving sizes have been standardized for legal reasons to contain roughly 0.6 ounces of alcohol per serving. Serving measurements include:
Mixed drinks, cocktails, wine coolers, punch, and other types of combined alcoholic beverages are measured in legal terms using the above servings, although servers themselves may not be as careful about pouring. For brewing purposes, the average alcohol content of beer is generally between 3 percent and 7 percent ABV; wine alcohol content ranges between 9 percent and 14 percent ABV, unless it is fortified; and spirits begin at around 20 percent ABV, but some states allow up to 95 percent ABV. Types of AlcoholAlthough the broad legal categories for alcohol are beer, wine, and spirits, there are many subcategories, and the ABV of each can vary. A few examples of types of alcohol, along with their ABV, are listed below. Liquor or Spirits
Wine
Beer
It is important for alcohol percentages to be understood by those who sell and consume alcohol. Problem drinking, a broad category that includes alcohol use disorders, is a major problem in the United States. Alcohol Use Disorder in the United StatesAlcohol use disorder involves compulsive drinking to the point where a person is unable to stop despite the harm it causes. People who have problems related to alcohol may feel helpless or unable to stop drinking. Alcohol use disorder is more often referred to as alcoholism by the non-medical community. Those suffering from alcohol use disorder are often called alcoholics. People suffering from alcohol use disorder may experience:
Excessive drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning, hospitalization, car accidents, and other injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in six American adults binge drinks about four times per month.The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) recommends adults drink no more than seven drinks per week. In 2012 about 7.2% of American adults (17 million individuals) reported to the NIAA that they were struggling with an alcohol use disorder. Problem drinking can lead to both short-term and long-term health problems. This includes:
Alcohol Abuse Treatment ProgramsIt is important to get help as soon as possible. If someone you love is an alcoholic, don’t encourage them to try and stop drinking cold turkey or by themselves. This can be medically dangerous and sometimes deadly. Instead, encourage them to detox with medical supervision, such as in a rehabilitation program. Here, they can safely work toward sobriety and recovery. These programs can help in the following ways:
The important thing to remember is that help is available. Explore treatment nearby at an alcohol rehab in New Jersey like Sunrise House Treatment Center. Sunrise House Treatment Center could be the right choice for you or your loved one when trying to detox from alcohol and recover from alcohol abuse. You can learn more about our facility on our website and learn more about our personalized treatment approach. You aren't alone. You deserve to get help. We are here to help you learn how to live without reaching for the next drink. Escape to the country to recovery in New Jersey’s premier drug rehab & treatment center. Located only an hour from New York City. How much vodka equals a glass of wine?All things being considered, one 1.5 oz shot of liquor is equivalent to 5 oz of wine. Remember that red wine and white wine have different alcohol by volume levels. Most restaurants serve wine in a five or six ounce glass. In essence, one 1.5 oz shot equals a full glass of wine.
Is it healthier to drink wine or vodka?A 1.5-ounce shot of vodka also contains an average of about 97 calories, while the average 5-ounce glass of wine contains between 100 and 150 calories depending on alcohol content. However, vodka's low calorie count becomes moot if it's added to sugary mixers such as cranberry or grapefruit juice.
Is wine as strong as vodka?Spirits are the other extreme: vodka is standardized to come in 40% alcohol in the United States, while Europe leans a little lower at around 37%. That doesn't stop some brands from hitting as high as 70% or even 80%. Wine is a middle ground in that regard and tends to waver between 11% to 12%.
Is liquor more alcoholic than wine?In comparison to beer and wine, liquor contains the highest alcohol content of the three beverages. Examples of liquor include tequila, gin, whiskey, vodka, and rum. A typical serving size of liquor is 1.5 fluid ounces of distilled spirits which contains about 40% alcohol.
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