Limit: Zero
There are situations when NO alcohol use is particularly important. Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health provides clear examples of when ZERO should be the limit such as:
- Driving a motor vehicle;
- Using machinery and tools;
- Taking medicine or other drugs that interact with alcohol;
- Doing any kind of dangerous physical activity;
- Being responsible for the safety of others;
- Making important decisions;
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant; and
- Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding.1
During pregnancy there is:
No Safe Time to Drink Alcohol
Brain and body growth continue during pregnancy and after birth. Exposure to alcohol anytime during pregnancy can affect the baby’s brain and body.2
No Safe Type of Alcohol
All types of alcohol may be harmful to the growing baby.1
No Safe Amount of Alcohol
Experts agree that there is no safe level of drinking during pregnancy. It is safest not to drink during pregnancy. 1,2 If you are concerned about alcohol use before knowing you were pregnant or are currently drinking, talk with your healthcare provider. Local resources can provide support.
Alcohol and Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding
When breastfeeding/chestfeeding, not drinking alcohol is the safest.1
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol.
FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential.
Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges.2
There is support for parents and children affected by FASD.
Rethink Your Drinking Zero Matters
1) Paradis, C., Butt, P., Shield, K., Poole, N., Wells, S., Naimi, T., Sherk, A., & the Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines Scientific Expert Panels. (2023, January). Canada’s guidance on alcohol and health: Final report. Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. https://www.ccsa.ca/canadas-guidance-alcohol-and-health#canada-s-guidance-on-alcohol-and-health
(2) Canada FASD Research Network. (July 2023). FASD Common Messaging Guide (Original Document created July 2017). https://canfasd.ca/wp-content/uploads/publications/CanFASD-Common-Messages-Guide-2023_FINAL-1.pdf