
Reduced risk of developing dependence and addiction: The less you drink, the less likely you are to develop an addiction, even if you have a genetic risk.Over time, heavy drinking wreaks havoc on the liver and causes a variety of primary and secondary liver health issues. Lower risk of liver health problems: Alcohol severely impacts the liver.But heavy drinking negatively impacts heart health. Improved blood pressure and better overall heart health: There are some mild heart health benefits for light to moderate drinkers.


Additionally, some medications are dangerous when mixed with alcohol.

Fewer risks of negative interactions with medications: Alcohol lessens the effects of many prescription medications.Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and fetal alcohol syndrome. Reduced risk of pregnancy complications: Alcohol harms a developing fetus.Lower risk of unplanned pregnancy and/or STDs: Drinking impairs your ability to make smart decisions and increases the likelihood of impulsive behavior.Lower risk of cancer: A variety of cancers are associated with heavy drinking, including cancers of the esophagus, mouth, breast, and more.Here are eleven benefits of not drinking alcohol: If you are concerned about your drinking or you have a desire to stop drinking and you’ve been unsuccessful, speak to your doctor about your options. This is especially true if the alcohol consumption is negatively impacting their health, relationships, and career or education.ĭespite the potential benefits of moderate drinking, health professionals do not recommend those who do not drink to begin doing so.įor those who are light to moderate drinkers (and are otherwise healthy), continuing to drink in this matter likely won’t be a problem.Įveryone is different. Brain damage and other problems in an unborn childįor some people, yes.Heart muscle damage (alcoholic cardiomyopathy) that eventually causes heart failure.Sudden death for those with cardiovascular disease.Certain cancers, including breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, and liver.The effects of heavy alcohol consumption include: More than three drinks in a day or seven drinks per week for women.More than four drinks in a day or more than 14 drinks per week for men.The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Consumption defines heavy drinking as: 1 Heavy alcohol consumption, whether it is over time or in the form of binge drinking episodes, is never considered safe. Moderate alcohol consumption might reduce the risk of developing heart disease and heart-related health issues, such as ischemic stroke.ĭespite the potential health benefits of moderate drinking, any amount of alcohol consumption increases a person’s risk of some types of cancer by a small amount. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men. Health professionals generally consider moderate alcohol consumption (by otherwise healthy adults) relatively safe. Cirrhosis also harms the brain and can lead to a potentially fatal brain disorder called hepatic encephalopathy. This can lead to prolonged liver dysfunction, including liver cirrhosis. One of the most common effects of long-term alcohol use is liver damage. Korsakoff’s psychosis, a long-lasting and debilitating condition.

