The holidays are here, and with them come parties, happy hours, and gatherings where alcohol is often abundant. But how much alcohol is too much?

Dr. Leana Wen, a CNN wellness expert, emergency physician, and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, shares her insights on the risks of excessive drinking, the benefits of moderating alcohol intake, and tips for those who want to cut back on drinking over the holidays.

According to Dr. Wen, adults of legal drinking age should not drink more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men on days they are drinking. She also emphasizes that drinking less alcohol is better than drinking more, and those who do not currently drink should not start.Dr. Wen advises individuals who want to moderate their alcohol intake to identify and set personal goals, keep track of their drinking, and plan ahead. She also recommends seeking help from a mental health professional to address underlying concerns that may lead to excessive drinking.

For those who experience symptoms when they stop or reduce drinking, Dr. Wen suggests seeking medical assistance.

Effective treatments for alcohol use disorder are available, and seeking help is nothing to be ashamed of.