In your opinion, is having one drink a day, everyday of the week, too much?

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:20:44 -0400

I enjoy one glass of quality bourbon a night to unwind - usually poured over a couple cold whiskey stones. Is enjoying one glass a day, 7 days a week too much?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 23 at 2016 12:24 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:24:39 -0400

No, I do not think that is excessive. End of the day, I see it as ... Do you want a drink? or do you "need" that drink?
If it feels like need, not want, its an issue., if its want, not need and your want does not effect anyone else, your moral, ethical behavior and you are effective the next day. .. Keep on keepin on.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 23 at 2016 12:31 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:31:35 -0400

It would be for me.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 23 at 2016 12:42 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:42:00 -0400

Like anything alcoholic, if you need it, it's a problem. If not, then the physical toll long term is minimal. Plenty of studies out there talking about a glass of wine a day, etc. for old folk. Just watch out for the craving piece. If you're 5 a day, your liver will get tired of it over time.

BTW if you absolutely need coffee in the morning to get yourself going, that's an addiction too. However the long term effects depend on the individual genetics.

I love a beer after working a day outside, have wine a couple times a week, and have a cognac every now and then with my evening cigar while testing my rotator cuff with our fetchaholic dog. He definitely doesn't want to be cured! Most the rest of the time it's iced tea.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 23 at 2016 1:17 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 01:17:04 -0400

You're asking the Wrong Dude! According to my Classmate Bambi in Telecommunications Management School "Your a Damn Drunk Chip and how the Hell are you getting the scores you are" LOL! I've had periods of my life like Diego Garcia, Adak and Technical Schools where I was seldom sober I've also been known to go a month without a drink. I will say that I am a German/Scotsman/Englishman/Frenchman it is part of my Culture, I am a Lietz which makes me a German Jew and I remember and Old Hebrew Saying "Wine is God's Gift to Man to Lighten His Heart". My Grandfather had a BierGarten in St Louis after Prohibition and I suspect Before Prohibition. Sitting here Nursing a Beer as we speak.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 made Aug 23 at 2016 1:23 AM

CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 01:23:48 -0400

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member Individual constitutions are vital to the discussion. Eating a full meal is also vital. I do consume, I do not stumble, slur my words, say inappropriate things, nor pat/caress the wrong females!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 1:25 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 01:25:37 -0400

If it is a small glass of bourbon, and you are not increasing the amount, it is probably ok. Can you unwind by running, walking, doing yard work?

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Aug 23 at 2016 1:59 AM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 01:59:58 -0400

No.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 2:39 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 02:39:03 -0400

“No animal ever invented anything as bad as drunkenness – or as good as drink.” – G.K. Chesterton

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 3:06 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 03:06:04 -0400

Depends on the size of the drink :-)

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Aug 23 at 2016 4:33 AM

PO1 Brian Austin — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 04:33:22 -0400

For the average person having an average sized drink, i'd say no it's not too much.
My grandfather's doctor prescribed him one Scotch a night before dinner, to help with nervous tension from work. He lived to 93, maybe it helped i don't know.
These days people are prescribed a handful of pills instead.

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Aug 23 at 2016 4:47 AM

PO1 Tony Holland — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 04:47:41 -0400

Charlie Brown's restaurants in California had a saying posted "Work is the curse of the drinking class"

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Aug 23 at 2016 5:12 AM

SCPO Jason McLaughlin — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 05:12:55 -0400

If your consumption is causing problems in your life, no matter how much it is, then its a problem. Otherwise, fill your boots.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Aug 23 at 2016 6:07 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 06:07:02 -0400

if you NEED it to unwind every day I would say you should take notice. It is easy to let it go from one to two to three etc. A drink can be enjoyed with no intent to get drunk without a doubt. When I was younger I drank like a fish, not so much now, only socially at parties, business dinners or other events and it is one or two at the most etc.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made Aug 23 at 2016 7:09 AM

Col Rebecca Lorraine — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 07:09:35 -0400

Great question. Some people handle alcohol better than others. I don't handle it well. Alcoholic beverages can be a part of your world through socialization. It begins when those around you drink and there is that thing called peer pressure. Then it becomes "normal". My rule is "everything in moderation". But moderation is so subjective. Try to go a week or a month without alcohol and see how you feel. You are probably asking this because you are concerned and are perhaps looking for peer approval?

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Aug 23 at 2016 7:18 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 07:18:04 -0400

When the Dr prescribed two beers a day for medicinal purposes when I was in the hospital, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Lie in a hospital bed and sip a cold one? Military culture seems, or seemed, to facilitate social drinking 24/7 if possible. I did not have to be coaxed. At my age I am now relaxed most of the time w/o spirits..

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Aug 23 at 2016 7:59 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 07:59:32 -0400

Depends on your perspective I'd say. My personal opinion is no, but there is also a qualifier there. Your question talks about having and enjoying one drink a day; that's absolutely no problem. But, when having or enjoying becomes needing you have crossed the line and should seek help. I mentioned perspective, and not everyone's perspective on this subject is going to be the same.
In a comment to another RP question I mentioned a visit from the Command Social Actions Office while at a remote location. During that visit I was told that if someone had one drink a day every day they consider that individual an alcoholic. My response was that if that is the case they have a detachment full of alcoholics babysitting special weapons in a foreign country. Obviously they had a different perspective from the reality of life at a remote location!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 9:09 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 09:09:49 -0400

I prefer a glass of hearty red wine before bed.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Aug 23 at 2016 9:23 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 09:23:02 -0400

As long as you're not an alcoholic, I think it's fine.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 9:53 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 09:53:43 -0400

Not if you're an Engineer....

But honestly, no unless you yourself are making it an issue of drinking to excess. For example, if your "one drink" consists of the entire bottle of whiskey.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 10:47 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 10:47:12 -0400

I don't think that is excessive at all. Sounds as reasonable as saying I like enjoying a glass of wine every day. The problem would be if you freak out the night that you couldn't have that one drink, ya know?

Response by LTC Thomas Tennant made Aug 23 at 2016 11:27 AM

LTC Thomas Tennant — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 11:27:53 -0400

Nope...it all depends on how you handle that drink.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 11:38 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 11:38:27 -0400

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member Depends on the size of your glass.
All jokes aside this is probably not that big a deal. I believe I have read somewhere that a glass of wine a day is actually healthy for you.

Response by CPL David Ferro made Aug 23 at 2016 11:38 AM

CPL David Ferro — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 11:38:32 -0400

I see nothing wrong with it.

Response by John K. Snell made Aug 23 at 2016 11:43 AM

John K. Snell — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 11:43:40 -0400

Depends on how big the glass is!!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 1:54 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 13:54:03 -0400

A GO that I knew long ago told me, "to miss PT each day is bad, to miss drinking every day is impossible."
that's all I have to say about that.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Aug 23 at 2016 2:44 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 14:44:20 -0400

No. That is the very definition of moderation. I've known people who will knock down 22 beers in a weekend. Not because they were trying to get drunk or because they're at a party, but simply because they're not even cognizant of the fact that they might have a drinking problem.

Response by Sgt William Wolf made Aug 23 at 2016 4:33 PM

Sgt William Wolf — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:33:54 -0400

I usually have a glass of wine with dinner and a Jack Daniels night-cap.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 4:36 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:36:15 -0400

I was instructed by my doctor to drink a glass of red wine every day.

Took me a month to find a 20 oz glass.

Response by MAJ Tom Hayes made Aug 23 at 2016 4:52 PM

MAJ Tom Hayes — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:52:18 -0400

A drink a night does not = too much. Unless you are talking to one of my VA doctors. One doc tells me not to drink anything and the other doc tells me that a glass or TWO of red wine a night is good for me. Go figure ... LOL

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 23 at 2016 5:39 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 17:39:35 -0400

It depends on how big that drink is and whether you need it or not.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Aug 23 at 2016 6:00 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 18:00:07 -0400

If you meant not enough I would agree.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 6:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 18:50:49 -0400

No. Is five? lol

Response by Jessica Mikes made Aug 23 at 2016 7:16 PM

Jessica Mikes — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 19:16:20 -0400

If it doesn't impair someone's ability to function and they aren't becoming reliant on it then why not. Absolutely needing that drink may be a sign of a drinking problem

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Aug 23 at 2016 7:31 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 19:31:04 -0400

No. Certainly not. All things in moderation.

Response by PO2 Scott Harding made Aug 23 at 2016 7:43 PM

PO2 Scott Harding — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 19:43:14 -0400

No. Of its kept in check, not a problem.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 8:54 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 20:54:50 -0400

Well.....According to the Navy anything that equates to at least a 6 pack/week makes you an alcoholic.

With that said, I have no problem having a beer or two a night, especially if it is something new I have found recently. Having a drink to enjoy it is one thing, but having a full glass of liquor is probably something to look into. Otherwise, I'd say enjoy a nice scotch or whiskey, hell even a couple of nice craft beers every night.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 9:19 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 21:19:33 -0400

We had a guy come to work with the smell of beer on his breath, This was an absolute no no. He was given a chance to keep his job if he went to a class on alcoholism. He refused. He said he drank a case of beer every night, but, that was not a problem.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 11:13 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 23:13:49 -0400

No, ish nots fer me. But, hooze askin?

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 24 at 2016 12:03 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 00:03:31 -0400

Absolutely not. I've even heard that it's recommended. Sadly, I can't. Too many calories to fit in a 1,200 calorie per day diet

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2016 1:14 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 01:14:53 -0400

No. Its not enough.

Response by SPC John Geary made Aug 24 at 2016 1:22 PM

SPC John Geary — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 13:22:17 -0400

Nah. One a day sounds kind of half steppin'. After a day working in the heat I used to like two or three to unwind and cool off before supper.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Aug 24 at 2016 3:04 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 15:04:36 -0400

No. There have been numerous studies showing that one drink a day is good for your heart and is actually recommended by many doctors.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Aug 24 at 2016 3:15 PM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 15:15:58 -0400

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member One glass? How large may my glass be?

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 9:07 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 09:07:37 -0400

Sorry to answer your question with another question. But, why are you asking? Your question is already pointed in the direction of "too much." No one usually asks the question, "Should I drink more everyday?" I think you need to gather all the information about how alcohol could possibly affect your health, performance and social life. Then decide if that amount is too much for you. Everyone has different feelings, beliefs and thoughts about drinking. Just be safe and keep others around you safe. That's the important part of it all.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 1:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 13:23:32 -0400

No, but if you HAVE to do it, there might be a problem. Just like a lot of us who are on benzos prescribed from military. What's the difference? Really, are benzos healthier???

Response by Capt Tf Sinclair made Aug 25 at 2016 9:50 PM

Capt Tf Sinclair — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 21:50:54 -0400

No, that is no big deal.

Response by PFC Brandon Bates made Aug 25 at 2016 10:42 PM

PFC Brandon Bates — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 22:42:53 -0400

Depends on the individual, and what exactly they are drinking. While small amounts can have health benefits, excessive drinking can be very self-destructive. If that one drink a night is a jar of clear, it's time to get help.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Aug 26 at 2016 3:29 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 15:29:00 -0400

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Aug 26 at 2016 6:44 PM

1LT William Clardy — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 18:44:49 -0400

Mothers Against Drunk Driving say (or used to say) that much makes you an alcoholic.
I disagree. I side with a doctor prescribed just that dosage for his ulcer patients, long before the stats came out showing that us one-a-day folks tend to live longer.

Response by MSG Dave Rossman made Aug 26 at 2016 11:32 PM

MSG Dave Rossman — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 23:32:34 -0400

I drink more than one

Response by SPC Joshua Berneman made Aug 27 at 2016 1:50 PM

SPC Joshua Berneman — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 13:50:12 -0400

Depends on the glass and the drink. One serving a night is actually good for your health in the long term, but some people get confused as to what constitutes a serving. For hard liquor, it's about 1.5 oz worth, so you might actually be having two or three drinks in that one glass if you aren't careful.

Response by PO2 Michael Landtroop made Aug 27 at 2016 11:39 PM

PO2 Michael Landtroop — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 23:39:30 -0400

Nope

Response by SSG Kirk Shuppert made Aug 28 at 2016 8:09 AM

SSG Kirk Shuppert — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 08:09:50 -0400

2, 3 or 6 a day may be an issue. If a drink is necessary to fall asleep, that may be an issue.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 28 at 2016 8:15 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 08:15:00 -0400

Nope. I usually do the beer thing. Ice cold after a hard day of shoeing horses. If it's really hot, a couple go down pretty good. Then there's the days where a cup of coffee is just the ticket. There's a difference between wanting and needing. If you need, then you might stop and think.

Response by PO2 Chuck Dufresne made Aug 28 at 2016 6:38 PM

PO2 Chuck Dufresne — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 18:38:13 -0400

Two every day is the limit to stay healthy

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Aug 30 at 2016 10:28 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 22:28:07 -0400

I am a non drinker. I have never drank so you would not like my answer.

Response by SPC Scott DeWitt made Aug 31 at 2016 6:44 PM

SPC Scott DeWitt — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 18:44:20 -0400

If you ask me, no. If you ask my wife, it makes you an alcoholic but hey, a guy's got to have something to aspire to.

Response by SPC James Harsh made Aug 31 at 2016 6:58 PM

SPC James Harsh — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 18:58:20 -0400

Response by SPC Glen Johnson made Sep 2 at 2016 2:06 AM

SPC Glen Johnson — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 02:06:03 -0400

That's not bad at all. I do not drink and never have but even from my point of view one moderate drink a day is not a problem. Drinking responsibly is never a problem.

Response by Michael McMillen made Sep 2 at 2016 2:43 PM

Michael McMillen — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 14:43:59 -0400

Technically good for you. One of the oldest living people on the planet had a belt every night. There are a variety of health benefits as do many things in moderation that could easily kill you if overindulged.

Response by SSgt James Tadlock made Sep 2 at 2016 6:22 PM

SSgt James Tadlock — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 18:22:18 -0400

I heard recently that it isn't too much.

Response by Sgt Daniel Latch made Sep 5 at 2016 4:28 PM

Sgt Daniel Latch — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 16:28:50 -0400

Depends on the size of the glass.

Response by LCpl Patrick Gillman made Sep 6 at 2016 12:44 AM

LCpl Patrick Gillman — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 00:44:06 -0400

Yes

Response by MSgt Dennis LeRoy Duncan MSGT, USAF, Retired made Sep 8 at 2016 10:53 PM

MSgt Dennis LeRoy Duncan MSGT, USAF, Retired — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 22:53:05 -0400

ETOH is not the issue.

Human behavior and medical issues are the keys.

Response by Capt Tf Sinclair made Sep 9 at 2016 12:42 AM

Capt Tf Sinclair — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 00:42:16 -0400

One drink a day is no big deal. I have a bit of Scotch over ice several times a week and do not have any issues of alcoholism.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2016 8:40 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 08:40:26 -0400

The Army teaches us what are considered risky and what are considered safe drinking habits. I believe they preach that 2 to 3 beers a day is actually a safe drinking habit. I personally don't drink that much anymore to the tune of a six pack lasting me a month or more but I believe its all about that person. If you just absolutely cannot go a night without a drink, you have a problem.

Response by SSG Drew Cook made Sep 9 at 2016 9:08 AM

SSG Drew Cook — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 09:08:16 -0400

It is only excessive if it is excessive. How does it affect your lifestyle, work, relationships? i know people who explode after having one drink, and others who can have 4 or 5 and are still good. Depends on the person, but I'd say for most folks a drink a day is a-ok.

Response by MSgt Coy Reavis made Sep 9 at 2016 9:46 AM

MSgt Coy Reavis — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 09:46:44 -0400

Medically, moderate consumption is defined as two drinks a day for men and one per day for women.

So, one a day is well within said boundaries! Enjoy!

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Sep 9 at 2016 10:45 AM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 10:45:39 -0400

A sailor is asking this question? REALLY?!

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 5 at 2019 7:00 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Sun, 05 May 2019 07:00:57 -0400

I am 70 and have more than a few
Never drank.on duty. 44 years