The Standard Drink in México

14 T he S tandard D rink in M exico | I ntroduction has, which in turn would allow us to know the exact ethanol intake. This is one of the reasons why the container in which each beverage is served is important since it can help us know how much we’re drinking. The higher the alcohol concentration, the smaller its container, such as a shot glass, or an old fashion glass ; red, white, rose, and bubbly wine all have different glasses, and beers have their different mug sizes. That said, it is through the use of the SD that calculations may be made to know what makes up a drink, based on its alcohol content, or just how many SD are in each beverage presentation. This, in turn, helps set precise guidelines, oriented at health risk prevention and at making information accessible to the general public. It is important to notice, as Marjana Martinic (1998) mentions, that even when the concept of a Standard Drink is clear enough, the way in that it is applied in different countries can be somewhat confusing since different values are used from one country to another. The great differences that exist among countries when determining the content of pure alcohol of the Standard Drink, is determined –in good measure–by local customs, traditional drinks, and the way to drink them. Due to this, it is complicated to establish international limits when carrying out studies or comparisons; in connection with this, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) points out in its “International guide for monitoring alcohol consumption and related harm” (2000) that: “For the purpose