Much research has been done into the effects of alcohol on health. The bottom line seems to be that while heavy drinking causes many health problems, moderate drinking (see the section What is moderate drinking? below) can be more beneficial than not drinking at all. However, the benefits of alcohol never apply to heavy drinking; abusive drinking only leads to harm for oneself and others.

Among the benefits of drinking in moderation are a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes, as well as an improvement in memory function. Moderate consumption of alcohol is also thought to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and senile dementia, improve resistance to the common cold virus, and significantly reduce the risk of Peripheral Artery Disease.

Among the harmful effects of heavy drinking are increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and some types of stroke, increased risk of some cancers, neurological damage, liver disease, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer and gastritis, heartburn, nutritional deficiencies, menstrual problems, anxiety, headaches, sleep disturbance and insomnia. Heavy drinking is also associated with relationship problems, legal complications, work absenteeism and violence. Because of the potentially harmful effects of excess drinking, alcohol is not generally recommended for health promotion.

In the U.S., low-risk drinking is defined as:

Men: Two standard drinks (40g alcohol) per day
Women: One drink (20g alcohol) per day

One standard drink contains 14 grams of alcohol and is equivalent to

• 12 fl. oz regular beer
• 5 fl. oz wine
• 1.5 fl. oz spirits (80 proof)

And sorry folks! Saving all your daily drinks for one weekly occasion doesn’t count! In fact, it could be classified as “heavy drinking” and cause health problems. It is also usually recommended that you have two alcohol-free days a week.

Keep in mind that it can only take one drink to go from moderate, low-risk drinking to harmful drinking. Moderate drinking can also vary for each individual, depending on factors such as age and weight.

Binge drinking is defined as having six drinks in a row for men or four in a row for females.

It is advisable not to drink at all if you are:

• Pregnant or trying to conceive
• Taking medication (unless approved by your doctor or pharmacist)
• Have a condition such as liver or heart disease
• Planning to drive or use machinery
• Studying or need to concentrate

Women and adolescents are more prone to alcohol's ill-effects due to their lower body weight, smaller livers and lesser capacity to metabolize alcohol.

As well as health complications, alcohol consumption has several other risks.

Drinking and driving. It may surprise you to learn that you don't need to drink much alcohol before yoru driving ability is affected. Certain skills can be affected with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02 percent. A 160-pound man has a BAC of 0.04 percent after drinking two 12-ounce beers on an empty stomach. Most States set the BAC limit for adults at 0.08 percent. Remember that extreme tiredness will also impair driving, particularly when combined with alcohol.

Interactions with medications. Drinking alcohol while taking certain medications can cause problems - there are more than 150 medicines that should not be mixed with alcohol. Generally, the alcohol combined with the medication will increase drowsiness, making driving and operating machinery even more dangerous. Liver damage is also a risk. If you are on any medication, ask your doctor whether it is safe for you to drink any alcohol.

Social and legal problems. Although moderate drinking (1-2 standard drinks per day) is acceptable, heavy drinking increases your potential for problems at home, at work, with friends, and even with strangers. These problems may include:

• Arguments with spouse and family members
• Absence from or lateness to work
• Committing or being the victim of violence