Lower Risk Alcohol Use

If you choose to drink, Canada's Low Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines can help you reduce short and long-term risks. 

Reduce your long-term health risk by drinking no more than:

• Women: 10 standard drinks a week, with no more than two drinks a day
• Men: 15 standard drinks a week, with no more than three drinks a day

Follow the low-risk drinking tips to lower your risks 

The lower-risk drinking tips include:

• Plan non-drinking days every week. Consider your age, body weight and health problems as these factors might suggest lowering limits.
• Drink slowly. Have no more than two drinks in any three hours (avoid binge drinking)

• For every drink of alcohol, have one non-alcoholic drink.
• Eat before and while you are drinking.
• Avoid mixing alcohol with other substances (drugs), use one substance at a time.  

When should you reach out for support from a health professional in relation to your alcohol use:

• If you have questions about your alcohol consumption.
• If you are concerned about your alcohol consumption, or if someone else has voiced concerns about your alcohol consumption.
• Living with mental or physical health condition 
• Planning to become pregnant or currently pregnant

Support is available. Visit:  

• AccessMHA.ca, a simple new single point of entry to eastern Ontario’s system of care for mental health and addictions
• 1call1click.ca, a simple way for children, youth and families to access the right mental health and addiction care, at the right time.

and our Community Resource page for a complete list of resources