Alcohol after 40: what the sources say about limits and risks
Key points
- The CDC (US) says a standard drink in the United States holds 14 grams of pure alcohol.
- The CDC (US) defines moderate alcohol use for women as one drink or less in a day.
- WHO (international) says no form of drinking alcohol is risk-free.
- The CDC (US) says breast cancer is the most common alcohol-associated cancer among women.
- The Office on Women's Health (US) says to get help now if you suspect you have a problem with alcohol.
What counts as one drink
The CDC (US) says a standard drink in the United States has 14 grams of pure alcohol. That is the same as 0.6 ounces. [2]
The CDC (US) lists these as one standard drink: a 12-ounce beer that is 5% alcohol, a 5-ounce glass of wine that is 12% alcohol, or a shot of liquor. A shot is 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. The CDC adds that all of these hold roughly equal amounts of pure alcohol. [2]
The limits the sources give
The CDC (US) says moderate alcohol use for women means one drink or less in a day. The same page says that certain cancers become more likely even at low levels of use, under 1 drink a day. [1]
The CDC (US) also says that drinking less alcohol is better for your health than drinking more. It says more studies now show there are no health benefits of moderate drinking compared with not drinking. [4] [1]
The CDC (US) lists people who should not drink at all, even in moderation. They include anyone who is pregnant or might be pregnant. They also include people who cannot control the amount they drink and people recovering from alcohol use disorder. [1]
Health risks the sources name
The CDC (US) says drinking alcohol raises your risk of several kinds of cancer. It says breast cancer is the most common alcohol-associated cancer among women. The CDC also says you can lower your cancer risk by drinking less alcohol or not drinking at all. [4]
The CDC (US) says excessive alcohol use can lead to heart disease and liver disease. It can also lead to mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. The CDC says your liver can only process small amounts of alcohol. [3]
The Office on Women's Health (US) says women absorb more alcohol, pound for pound, than men do. It also says it takes longer for women's bodies to digest alcohol. WHO (international) says most alcohol-related harms come from heavy drinking, whether in episodes or continuously. [6] [5]
Where the sources differ
The sources put it differently. The CDC (US) defines moderate alcohol use for women as one drink or less in a day. WHO (international) says no form of drinking alcohol is risk-free. The CDC also says certain cancers become more likely even at under 1 drink a day. [1] [5]
When to see a doctor
The Office on Women's Health (US) says to get help now if you suspect you have a problem with alcohol. It lists a helpline at 1-800-994-9662 for more information. [6]
The Office on Women's Health (US) also says that in a medical emergency, you should call 911 or head to the closest emergency room. [6]
Sources
- CDC (US): About Moderate Alcohol Use (opens in a new tab). Published January 14, 2025.
- CDC (US): About Standard Drink Sizes (opens in a new tab). Published December 12, 2024.
- CDC (US): Alcohol Use and Your Health (opens in a new tab). Published January 14, 2025.
- CDC (US): Alcohol and Cancer (opens in a new tab). Published January 29, 2026.
- WHO (international): Alcohol (fact sheet) (opens in a new tab). Published June 28, 2024.
- Office on Women's Health (US): Alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder, and addiction (opens in a new tab). Last updated February 3, 2025.
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