Alcoholism is a serious medical condition that requires professional treatment. The amount of alcohol an alcoholic drinks per day can vary significantly. Heavy drinking is considered to be more than 8 drinks per day for women and more than 15 drinks per day for men. Alcoholics typically drink more than the recommended limits for moderate drinking, which is up to 2 drinks per day for women and up to 3 drinks per day for men. Although the amount of alcohol an alcoholic drinks per day varies, it is typically above the recommended levels for social drinking.