Bartender Cary Jensen-Madison doesn't think having a few drinks after his shift is a big deal.
"I probably drink at least 5 to 6 nights out of the week."
A new study from the CDC finds 9 out of 10 people who drink excessively are not alcoholics.
"The conventional wisdom has been that most people who drink too much have the disease of alcohol dependence or alcoholism," says Dr. Robert Brewer.
The study found that 1 in 3 adults are considered excessive drinkers, most binge drink on multiple occasions.
Excessive drinking is defined as consuming 8 or more drinks a week for women…or 15 or more drinks for men.
Excessive alcohol use can lead to health issues including cancer, liver and heart disease. It's responsible for 88,000 deaths in the us each year.
Researchers say screening and counseling for excessive drinking can help control the problem.
"Excessive alcohol use is a huge public health problem in the U.S. It kills a large portion of people in the prime of their lives."
Jensen-Madison says he drinks socially, but makes sure he doesn't make it a habit that could put his health in danger.
Numbers show about 1 in 30 adults are considered alcoholics or alcohol dependent.
