Do I drink too much?

According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use & Health 1 in 6 American adults (17%) reported binge drinking in the last month. In adults "binge drinking" is defined as four or more "standard" drinks (women) or five or more standard drinks (men) on one occasion. 

These numbers (like "four or more for women") were not just pulled from a hat -- it is based on when people start to have health problems, meaning it is based on the real world.

But many people have only a vague idea of what "a drink" even means, which is obviously essential.

One standard drink is defined as follows:

     Beer:  12 ounces (360 ml)

     Malt liquor:  8 ounces (240 ml)

     Wine:   5 ounces (150 ml)

     Spirits (like whiskey):  1.5 ounces (45 ml)

The average adult human can metabolize (handle) roughly one standard drink per hour. That does not mean you should keep drinking one standard drink per hour indefinitely!

If you drink faster than one per hour that's unhealthy. If you drink on an empty stomach, or "chug" the drink, your blood levels will be higher. 

Women should not try to "keep up with the men", because their bodies handle alcohol a little differently. Of course, even the men should not try to "keep up with" the heavier drinking men. It is not a contest, and the "winners" might end up "losing" other things (hopefully the car keys!).

If you are 65 or older you should average not more than one standard drink per day or drink more than seven drinks per week.

I'm Dr Richard Andrews and I am an addiction medicine specialist who started as a family doctor. If you are a Texan that is 18 or older you can make an appointment to see me right from this website. You don't need to travel to see me, because we will see each other "virtually", on your computer, phone or tablet.

What is addiction medicine?

Addiction medicine is a vital area of focus in modern medical treatment, focused on helping people identify, treat, and heal from substance use disorders (SUDs).

Dr. Andrews uses convenient telehealth services to remove any barriers to treatment for adults in Texas who want to improve their relationship with alcohol and protect their physical and mental well-being.

Would I benefit from addiction medicine?

A formal diagnosis of substance use disorder requires a doctor, but if you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, don’t ignore that feeling. Some signs of drug or alcohol addiction include:

• Using a substance or drinking more than you planned or continuing for longer than intended
• Wanting to stop but feeling like you can’t
• Spending significant time getting your substance, using it, and recovering afterward
• Having intense cravings or urges to indulge in the substance
• Falling behind on responsibilities at work, school, or home due to substance use
• Continuing to use the substance even though it contributes to social or interpersonal problems
• Using the substance even when it’s dangerous to do so, such as when you need to drive or operate machinery
• Giving up hobbies you used to enjoy and withdrawing from loved ones and friends
• Continuing to use even when you know it makes you feel worse, not better
• Needing increasing amounts of the substance to get the feeling you want
• Experiencing severe discomfort (withdrawal symptoms) when you stop or reduce your usage

These signs are serious and can leave you feeling isolated. Dr. Andrews offers hope and science-backed solutions that can help you overcome and thrive.

What can I expect from addiction medicine treatment?

You may benefit from combining medication and behavioral therapy, tackling different aspects of your problem. Dr. Andrews provides personalized recommendations to help you set a better path.

A key part of addiction medicine is harm reduction and addiction management with medication. Dr. Andrews primarily prescribes naltrexone in pill form and provides education on the “Sinclair Method” — a simple, science-backed way to decrease the amount they drink by taking their medication at optimal times.

Dr. Andrews’ approach to addiction medicine is to offer support as you regain control over alcohol. Schedule a telehealth appointment with Dr. Andrews by booking online today.