Which pattern qualifies as alcoholism in men?

• A. 7 drinks per week or 3 on a single day
• B. 21 drinks per week or 5 on a single day
• C. 10 drinks per week or 2 on a single day
• D. 14 drinks per week or 4 or more on a single day

Answer: (D)

Heavy drinking patterns in men are defined by two practical thresholds clinicians use to flag at-risk use: a weekly total and a per-day amount. If a man drinks more than about 14 drinks in a week, that’s considered heavy use. If, on any single day, he drinks 4 or more drinks, that’s a binge-like pattern. A pattern that meets either of these criteria signals potential alcohol-related problems and warrants further evaluation.

The option that lists 14 drinks per week or 4 or more on a single day aligns exactly with these two commonly cited cutoffs, capturing both sustained high intake and episodic heavy intake. The other patterns either stay below the weekly or per-day thresholds, or mix values in a way that doesn’t fit the standard screening criteria.