What is moderate drinking? Defining "drinks" and drinking levels

Although the benefits and risks associated with moderate drinking have gain ed increasing attention in recent years from both researchers and the gener al public, no universal definition of moderate drinking exists. Most curren tly used definitions are based on a certain number of drinks consumed in a specific time period Defining a "drink," however, also is difficult because alcoholic beverages can differ substantially in their alcohol content, eve n within the same beverage category (e.g., beer, wine, or distilled spirits ). Because international differences in drink definitions also exist, compa ring studies from different countries is difficult. The development of a un iversal definition of moderate drinking is hampered further by variations i n de way alcohol consumption levels and drinking patterns are being assesse d (i.e., the survey method and assessment modes used). Despite these proble ms, definitions of moderate drinking and drinking guidelines have been deve loped in the United States and other countries.