Alcohol | Vermont Department of Health

Alcohol | Vermont Department of Health
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Alcohol
Substance Use Information
Alcohol
Cannabis
Heroin and Other Opioids
Stimulants
Vermont's past month alcohol use rates are higher than the U.S. average for all age groups
Source:
State Level Data National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2022-2023
Health risks of alcohol use
People who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at 21.
Short-Term Excess Use
Long-Term Excess Use
Injuries from accidents or violence
Alcohol poisoning
Risky sexual behaviors
Miscarriage or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs)
Death
High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke
Liver disease
Digestive problems
Certain types of cancer
Learning and memory problems
Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety
Social and family issues
Alcohol dependence or addiction
Death
Curious about your drinking habits?
Take the quiz!
Take the quiz!
Help is available
VT Helplink
VT Helplink
How much alcohol is considered excess use?
What are moderate and excessive drinking?
Moderate drinking
is defined as up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men.
Excessive drinking
includes binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking by people who are pregnant or people younger than age 21.
Binge drinking is defined as consuming 4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more drinks for men.
Heavy drinking is defined as consuming 8 or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men.
What is a standard drink?
Standard Drink Equivalent Calculator
What is alcohol by volume (ABV)?
Alcohol by volume (ABV) affects drinking recommendations. ABV is a standard measure of how much alcohol (ethanol) is contained in a given volume of an alcoholic beverage (expressed as a volume percent). To calculate drink equivalents, multiply the volume in ounces by the alcohol content in percent and divide by 0.6 ounces of alcohol per drink equivalent.
Beer, beer coolers, and malt beverages
Drink Equivalents
12 fl oz at 4.2% alcohol
0.8
12 fl oz at 5% alcohol
1
16 fl oz at 5% alcohol
1.3
12 fl oz at 7% alcohol
1.4
12 fl oz at 9% alcohol
1.8
Wine
Drink Equivalents
5 fl oz at 12% alcohol
1
9 fl oz at 12% alcohol
1.8
5 fl oz at 15% alcohol
1.3
5 fl oz at 17% alcohol
1.4
Distilled Spirits
Drink Equivalents
1.5 fl oz 80 proof distilled spirits (40% alcohol)
1
Reducing the health risks of alcohol use
Drink in moderation
Drink a lot of water - before, during, and after drinking alcohol
Eat - especially foods high in protein
Space out drinks during a night out - the average person breaks down 1 drink an hour
Do not drink in front of people who are under 21
Store your alcohol safely away from children and pets
Curious about your drinking habits?
Take the quiz!
You should not drink alcohol if you are:
Younger than age 21
Pregnant or may be pregnant
Driving, planning to drive, or participating in other activities requiring skill, coordination, and alertness
Taking certain prescription or over-the-counter medications that can interact with alcohol
With certain medical conditions
In recovery
More Info
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Substance Use Dashboard
Contact Us
Substance Use Programs (DSU)
Vermont Department of Health
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8340
802-651-1550
[email protected]
Topics:
Alcohol/Drug Use
Last Updated:
August 25, 2025