Be alcohol aware.
Some drinks, such as certain coolers, fortified wines or specialty drinks, have more alcohol.
For example, a cooler may have 7% alcohol content, so it’s not a standard drink. Some drinks, like port can have 20% alcohol content or a liqueur like brandy can have an alcohol content of 25%.
Then there are specialty drinks, like a martini or Long Island Iced Tea which combine a variety of alcohols. A martini for instance may have up to three shots of various types of alcohol, so one martini could equal 3 beers. Long Island Iced Tea has four shots, so one drink equals four beers.
Knowing what a standard drink is helps you lower short- and long-term health risks.
When a person drinks alcoholic beverages, their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) increases.
What is blood alcohol concentration?
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the amount of alcohol in your blood stream. Basically it’s a measurement in milligrams of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. It’s written as milligrams percent, or mg%. In Canada, it is a criminal offence to drive with a BAC of 80 mg% (often referred to as “.08”) or higher.
People with alcohol in their systems are less alert; their inhibitions are lower and their judgment impaired, which causes them to do things they usually wouldn’t do. People with a high BAC may not notice warning signs, like their body telling them they’ve had enough to drink, and they don’t react as quickly to things around them.
Manitoba takes a tough stance on impaired driving and the allowed driver BAC is less than 50 mg% (often referred to as “.05”). While 80 mg% remains the level for a criminal charge, drivers who are found to have a BAC of 50 mg% or higher will receive an immediate licence suspension, a fine, have their vehicle impounded and will have to pay a fee to reinstate their licence.
When zero's the limit.
Driving a vehicle. Alcohol and driving NEVER mix.
Pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding an infant.
Making important decisions.
Doing any kind of dangerous physical activity.
Using machinery or tools.
Taking medicine or other drugs, including cannabis, that interact with alcohol.
Living with mental or physical health problems.
Living with alcohol dependence.
Responsible for the safety of others.
When zero's the limit.
What do you mean risks? It's just alcohol, right?
New evidence shows when it comes to drinking alcohol, less is better, as with each drink, your risk of harm increases. Most Canadians know drinking alcohol increases long-term risks of health conditions such as cirrhosis, high-blood pressure, stroke, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and some types of cancer. However, there are short-term risks people sometimes forget, like embarrassment, accidents, injuries, and abusive or violent behaviour. The best way to reduce your risks is to drink less, and if you’re planning to drink, do not exceed two standard drinks per occasion.
What about special occasions?
We all have reasons to celebrate, and alcohol is often involved when there is a special occasion. You can reduce your risk of harm including injuries from falls, motor vehicle crashes, or abusive or violent behaviour by limiting alcoholic drinks to no more than two drinks per occasion.
Always plan to drink in a safe environment with people you know and trust.
Is the new guidance recommending I don’t drink any alcohol?
No, the guidance recommends people consider reducing their alcohol consumption. The guidance is meant to provide people with information they need to make personal decisions about their health. Every person will have different comfort levels with different levels of risk, and reducing alcohol use will look different for everyone. The overall message is that less is better.
Who came up with this guidance, anyway?
Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health was developed in 2023 by the Canadian Centre of Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) in collaboration with independent experts and representatives from various Canadian organizations, including Health Canada. Since the release of the 2011 low-risk drinking guidelines, there has been new research and evidence about alcohol-related mortality, morbidity, and social harms.
As the regulator of liquor, gaming, cannabis, and horse racing in Manitoba, part of the LGCA's role is to educate Manitobans about responsible gambling and the responsible consumption of alcohol and cannabis.
If I drink at a high-risk level, does that mean I'm an alcoholic?
No. Alcohol dependence is a complex and serious health condition. If you’re worried about your drinking, talk to your doctor or contact the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba’s Helpline at 1-855-662-6605 (toll-free).
How can I get help to reduce my drinking?
If you’re worried about your drinking, talk to your doctor or contact the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba’s Helpline at 1-855-662-6605 (toll-free).