According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heavy drinking refers to consuming 15 or more drinks per week for men and 8 or more drinks per week for women [1]. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol content), 8 ounces of malt liquor (7% alcohol content), 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol content), or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor (40% alcohol content) [1].

It is important to note that heavy drinking can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of various types of cancer, liver disease, and mental health disorders [1]. The CDC recommends that individuals who consume alcohol do so in moderation, defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men [1].

For more information on heavy drinking and its health effects, you can visit the following resources:

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Fact Sheets - Alcohol Use and Your Health. <https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm>.
* National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2021). Drinking Levels Defined. <https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking>.
* DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Alcohol Addiction. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/disease/alcohol-addiction/>.

Sources:

* [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Fact Sheets - Alcohol Use and Your Health. <https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm>.