The question of whether drinking a fifth of liquor each week constitutes “too much” is fundamentally a question of health risk. This volume of alcohol consumption places an individual well outside established health guidelines, significantly increasing the likelihood of long-term physical harm and dependency. Understanding the magnitude of this weekly intake and comparing it to low-risk standards is the first step toward a healthier pattern of consumption. This information provides a factual, guideline-based assessment of the risk associated with this volume of weekly drinking.
Converting a Fifth to Standard Drinks
Health professionals use the concept of a “standard drink” to accurately measure alcohol volume, defining it as 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. This is equivalent to one 12-ounce regular beer, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot of distilled spirits. A “fifth” of liquor is a 750-milliliter bottle, slightly less than one-fifth of a gallon. A standard 80-proof spirit (40% alcohol by volume), such as vodka or whiskey, contains approximately 17 standard drinks. Consuming a fifth of liquor over seven days equates to drinking an average of about 2.4 standard drinks per day, providing a concrete number for comparison against official health recommendations.
Establishing Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines
Official guidelines define low-risk drinking levels to help individuals assess their potential for developing health problems. For men, low-risk consumption is defined as no more than four drinks on any single day and no more than 14 drinks per week. For women, the recommended limits are lower: no more than three drinks on any single day and a maximum of seven drinks per week.
Exceeding these weekly limits is classified as heavy drinking, which is associated with an increased risk of long-term health issues and alcohol use disorder. Consuming 17 standard drinks per week immediately places both men and women into the heavy drinking category, surpassing the male limit by three drinks and the female limit by 10 drinks. The limits differ because women generally metabolize alcohol less efficiently, leading to higher blood alcohol concentrations and greater exposure to alcohol’s toxic effects.
This weekly volume also increases the likelihood of “binge drinking,” defined as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men in about two hours. If 17 drinks are consumed in just a few sittings, the risk of acute harm, such as accidents or injuries, increases dramatically.
Physical Health Consequences of Chronic Heavy Drinking
Chronic consumption of 17 standard drinks per week can progressively damage multiple organ systems. The liver is particularly susceptible, as it is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol. Long-term heavy drinking can lead to alcoholic fatty liver disease, where fat accumulates in liver cells, representing the earliest stage of damage.
If heavy consumption continues, this can progress to alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and eventually to cirrhosis, where scar tissue permanently replaces healthy liver tissue. Cirrhosis obstructs blood flow and severely impairs the liver’s ability to function, which can be fatal. The cardiovascular system is also affected, with heavy drinking contributing to high blood pressure and cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens the heart muscle and impairs its ability to pump blood efficiently.
This level of consumption is linked to an increased risk of developing several types of cancer. Alcohol acts as a carcinogen, particularly increasing the risk for cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon. Chronic heavy drinking also weakens the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to serious infections and slowing recovery from illnesses.
Identifying Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
A pattern of heavy drinking can indicate the presence of an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to control alcohol use despite adverse consequences. One of the earliest signs is increased tolerance, where a person needs much larger amounts of alcohol to feel intoxicated, suggesting the body has adapted to its presence.
Individuals with AUD often desire to stop drinking but are unable to do so, making repeated unsuccessful attempts. They may spend significant time drinking, seeking alcohol, or recovering from its effects, often neglecting major responsibilities at work, school, or home. Continued use of alcohol, even when it is worsening a physical or psychological problem, is another key sign.
Physical dependence manifests when the body experiences withdrawal symptoms upon reducing or stopping drinking. These symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Shaking hands (tremors)
- Insomnia
- Seizures or hallucinations (in severe cases)
Drinking to avoid these unpleasant symptoms is a strong indicator of physical dependence. The diagnosis of AUD is based on a pattern of problematic alcohol use that leads to clinically significant distress or impairment.
Finding Support and Seeking Help
Recognizing a pattern of high-risk consumption or identifying signs of an Alcohol Use Disorder is an important first step toward positive change. Confidential support and resources are readily available for those who want to reduce their drinking or seek treatment. A primary care physician can provide a safe starting point, offering screenings, medical advice, and referrals to specialized care.
Specialized treatment centers offer various levels of care, including outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient programs, and residential treatment for more severe cases. Anonymous support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery, provide peer support and structured programs for long-term sobriety. Resources like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline can provide immediate, confidential referrals to treatment facilities and support groups.