Many of us enjoy a glass of alcohol or two when celebrating good times. But do you ever find yourself tipping back a few too many? If so, you may be putting your health at great risk.

Consuming large amounts of alcohol, often known as binge drinking, can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. Alcohol is a factor in about 40 percent of all traffic-crash fatalities, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Chronic alcohol abuse poses long-term health risks, including permanent damage to vital organs such as the heart and liver and increased vulnerability to many physical and mental diseases. Light drinking, however, may have some health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and possibly diabetes.

The key to enjoying alcohol safely is to drink in moderation. Before your next round of cocktails, there are several things you can do to protect your health while keeping the party on track.

Alcohol 101

Learning to drink responsibly is one of the most important lessons of adult social life. Whether you are celebrating a big promotion or nervously chatting during a promising first date, chances are good that a glass of spirits is nearby.

Alcohol has played an important role for thousands of years in casual social interactions, formal celebrations and in religious worship. No one knows the precise date when alcohol was discovered, but it probably began in the Middle East.