Alcohol

Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health provides science-based information about the risks associated with alcohol consumption to help people make informed decisions.

Your level of risk

Count how many standard drinks you have per week and consider your level of risk.


0 drinks per week = No risk

Enjoy better health and better sleep.


1 to 2 standard drinks per week = Low risk

You will likely avoid alcohol-related consequences for yourself and others.


3 to 6 standard drinks per week = Moderate risk

Your risk of developing multiple types of cancer increases.


7 or more standard drinks per week = Increasingly high risk

Your risk of heart disease or stroke increases.

When pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding/chestfeeding, no amount of alcohol is safe.

Standard drink sizes

What is considered a standard drink depends on the type and amount of alcohol. Convert your drinks into standard drink sizes using a standard drink calculator.


Beer: 341 mL (12 oz) of 5% alcohol


Cooler, cider, or ready-to-drink: 341 mL (12 oz) of 5% alcohol


Wine: 142 mL (5 oz) of 12% alcohol


Spirits: 43 mL (1.5 oz) of 40% alcohol

Reducing risk

You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing multiple types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, liver disease, and of experiencing other harms associated with alcohol use.

  • Reflect on your level of risk and see if any adjustments need to be made to protect your health. Any reduction lowers your risk.
  • If you’re going to drink alcohol:
    • Stick to the limits you set for yourself.
    • Drink slowly.
    • Drink lots of water.
    • For every drink of alcohol, have one non-alcoholic drink.
    • Choose low-alcohol beverages.
    • Eat before and while drinking. Choose non-salty snacks.
    • Have a designated driver, call for a lift or stay overnight.
  • Choose alcohol-free beverages.
  • Unwind without alcohol: a walk, a bath, a book or a chat with a friend.
  • Do alcohol-free activities. This can help you have alcohol-free weeks.

The benefits

Research shows that there are substantial benefits to avoiding, limiting or reducing alcohol intake: better sleep, reduced anxiety, more money saved, healthier relationships, better sexual health.

The research also makes clear that modest consumption of alcohol does not offer protection against heart disease — in fact, regular and heavy consumption can increase your risk.

Ultimately, if you drink, less is better.

Additional resources