How Do Alcoholics Choose Their Drinks?
There are not many studies that point to common types of alcohol that are typically abused. However, those with a drinking disorder may choose certain brands to avoid detection or to get drunk more quickly. For example, clear alcoholic products, such as vodka and gin, are easy to hide. Some products have a higher ABV, such as fortified wine (up to 20% ABV) or liqueur (20% ABV). These products will take less alcohol to get drunk, so if you are consuming more of these products you might be susceptible to alcoholism. Sometimes, the choice comes down to economics, with beer being the cheapest, or personal preferences for taste and ease of access — many grocery stores now sell wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages which makes these types of alcohol extremely easy to access. The drug and alcohol detox program at Recovery Ranch can help you safely wean off alcohol and our outpatient drug rehab program makes it possible to go through recovery while you continue to work and care for your family. Let us help you achieve and maintain sobriety.What Is a Standard Drink?
If you wonder if you or someone you love is suffering from a drinking problem, start with the basics. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines 14 grams or 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol as a standard drink. Here are a few examples of what constitutes a standard drink to make it more clear:- One 12-ounce bottle of beer, 5% ABV
- An 8-ounce serving of malt liquor, 7% ABV
- 5 ounces of wine, 12% ABV
- One shot or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, 40% ABV
Common Types of Alcohol Abused
The following list includes the most common types of alcohol abuse:- Beer: Regular beer has less than 5% ABV. Craft beers such as porters, IPAs, and pale ales may have up to 10% ABV — or more.
- Liquor: Liquor has an ABV of 40% to 90%. To calculate the ABV, divide the proof by 2.
- Liqueur: Sweet liqueurs vary but typically have around 20% ABV.
- Wine: Regular wine has 7% to 15% (the norm) ABV, but fortified wines, such as port, sake, and sherry, have up to 35% ABV.
- Malt Liquor: This beer-like beverage has around 7% ABV.
- Mead: Based on fermented honey, mead packs a 10-15% ABV punch.
