How Alcohol Can Affect Your Health

Alcohol has long been a part of human culture - from celebratory toasts to relaxing with a glass of wine at dinner. But how does alcohol affect your health? Moderate drinking (one or two drinks per day) was once thought to have benefits for the heart, but better research methods and more recent studies have thrown cold water on that.

Earlier this year, Dr. Vivek Murthy (U.S. Surgeon General under President Biden) called for updating the existing surgeon general's health warning label on alcoholic beverages to include the risk of cancer - including colon, liver, breast, mouth, and throat cancers. Dr. Melanie Crutchfield, a surgical breast oncologist with Methodist Cancer Institute in Memphis, TN, said, "Alcohol damages your DNA in a variety of different ways, and that increases your risk of cancer." Alcohol breaks down in the body into a substance called acetaldehyde, which can damage your cells and stop them from repairing themselves; that creates the conditions for cancer to grow.

According to Dr. Murthy's advisory, there are about 100,000 alcohol-related cancer cases and about 20,000 alcohol-related cancer deaths annually in the United States. "As you consider whether or how much to drink, keep in mind that less is better when it comes to cancer risk," Dr. Murthy wrote. Government guidelines advise men to limit themselves to two drinks or fewer per day and women to one drink or fewer per day. One drink is the equivalent of about one 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or one shot of liquor.

In addition to increasing cancer risk, alcohol affects the brain too. It can disrupt neurotransmitters - leading to mood swings, memory problems, and increased anxiety or depression over time. Additionally, excessive drinking impairs judgment and coordination, contributing to accidents and injuries.

While guidelines can vary from country to country, the overall trend is toward drinking less. "The scientific consensus has shifted due to the overwhelming evidence linking alcohol to over 200 health conditions, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases and injuries," said Carina Ferreira-Borges, regional adviser for alcohol at the World Health Organization regional office for Europe. Americans' attitudes towards alcohol differ by their ages, with 65% of U.S. adults ages 18 to 34 saying alcohol consumption negatively impacts health. That figure was 37% of those ages 35 to 54 and 39% of those 55 and older. While those percentages decrease with age, alcohol consumption in the United States has remained relatively steady, according to a Gallup poll from August 2024. On average, U.S. drinkers report they had four drinks in the past week, which matches the trend average since 1996.

Alcohol's effects on health are complex and depend on factors like age, sex, genetics, and overall lifestyle. Dr. Crutchfield noted that alcohol consumption is the third-leading preventable cause of cancer, behind tobacco and obesity. If you choose to drink, the key is moderation. And if you don't drink? There's no need to start. As always, reach out for help if you are having trouble moderating your alcohol intake.