What is a standard drink measurement?

What is a standard drink measurement?

A. It allows you to determine if you’re getting what you paid for

B. It is a consistent way of measuring the amount of alcohol in a drink

C. It allows you to determine what is inside of a mixed drink

D. It is a measurement to determine if you are legally drunk

Answer: B. It is a consistent way of measuring the amount of alcohol in a drink

A standard drink measurement is a general procedure that allows for calculating and comparing the portion of alcohol in as many types of alcoholic drinks as possible. It gives people a clear framework for comprehending and comparing alcohol within any beverage regardless of substantial or small volume or strength. The first reason for such standardization is the prevention of excessive drinking and to assist people in controlling their intake of alcohol.

In the United States for instance; a standard drink is taken to mean one that contains equivalent to 0.6 fluid ounces (14 grams) of pure alcohol. This translates to approximately:

• 12 ounces of regular beer that is produced from malt, near beer with 5% alcohol by volume.
• Five ounces of wine containing up to 12% alcohol.
• 1.5 ounces of the alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains distilled at a fleet of 40 per cent alcohol by volume, or 80 proof.

Standardization is important for many reasons as highlighted below. First, it ensures that there is healthy communication of the preferred amount of alcohol to be taken and the recommended amounts each time. Health organizations and governments can give suggestions according to these standard units thus enabling people to comprehend and adhere to the guidelines of moderate consumption of alcohol. Second, it can contribute to the public raising awareness of the amount of ethanol in different products and expand misconceptions regarding the so-called ‘strength’ of some alcoholic beverages as stronger or weak. Lastly, it helps the healthcare strength to determine the patient’s alcohol consumption and subsequent dangers.

Concerning the standard drink measurement, mostly a helpful tool in identifying the meaning of a container having alcohol, it has no direct relation with the levels of one’s ‘intoxication’ or the legally permissible limit for operating a vehicle, which differs from the individual as well as the laws of any particular state. The measurement is designed mostly to be an alcohol consumption limit and to be used also for prevention and promotion of alcohol control for the sake of public health.