Whether or not it is safe for you to drink depends on your physical and psychological health profile.

While alcohol can provide a number of health benefits for some people, it can cause serious problems for others.

Alcohol and Medication

Those taking certain medications, including but not limited to antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antihistamines, pain relievers, sleeping pills/sedatives, beta blockers and anticoagulants, should not drink due to adverse interactions. These interactions range from rendering the medication ineffective to causing death.

Alcohol and Age

Age-related changes cause older people to process alcohol more slowly, so they should not have more than one drink per day.

Alcohol and Health Conditions

Those with health conditions such as pancreatic disease; high blood pressure; heart arrhythmias; precancerous symptoms of the esophagus, larynx, pharynx or mouth; liver disease; stomach ulcers; severe acid reflux disorder; sleep apnea; or history of hemorrhagic strokes should not drink.

Alcohol and Pregnancy

Pregnant women should avoid alcohol altogether. The fetus is most susceptible to alcohol damage during the first few weeks after conception, before most women know that they have conceived, so those who are attempting to get pregnant should also avoid alcohol. Alcohol can generate severe congenital abnormalities in the fetus, including fetal alcohol syndrome, which is characterized by physical abnormalities, neurological dysfunction, developmental delay and growth retardation. A recent meta-analysis indicates that the risk for fetal malformation is quite serious even with fewer than three drinks per day.

Alcohol and Addiction

According to twin, family and adoption studies, both our alcohol preferences and our vulnerability to developing alcoholism are partially determined by genetic factors, so those with a family history of alcoholism should be particularly careful. One of the first signs of dependence is being unable to stop drinking after consuming a moderate amount.

Decreasing Some of the Risks

Drinking is associated with a number of health problems. Alcohol consumption increases the risk for cancers of the mouth, larynx and esophagus. However, there are indications that taking alcohol with meals rather than on its own reduces this risk. Alcohol has also been implicated in an increased likelihood of developing breast cancer, but taking a folic acid supplement (600 or more micrograms per day) can reduce this risk.

Should You Drink?

Alcohol can be either a health booster or a health buster, depending on the dose ingested and the vulnerabilities and health requirements of the person drinking it. Assuming that you don’t suffer from any of the conditions listed above or take any medications, moderate alcohol consumption can provide some health benefits. However, these can be just as easily obtained through exercise and good nutrition.

If you do choose to drink, the ideal amount is one drink per day for women and one to two for men. One drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of spirits (80 proof). This translates to approximately one standard-sized can or bottle of beer, 175 ml of wine or one standard shot of spirits.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent medical advice. You should speak to your doctor if you have any health concerns, existing medical conditions, or are currently taking any medications to make sure that alcohol will not exacerbate any existing problems.

To learn more about alcohol and health, please see Health Benefits of Alcohol and Alcohol and Health Problems. To read about strategies for cutting back or quitting drinking, please see How to Reduce or Stop Drinking.

References:

• Harvard School of Public Health. (2007). “Alcohol.” hsph.harvard.edu.
• Kovacs, Elizabeth, J., Ph.D., Messingham, Kelly A.N., Ph.D. (2002). “Influence of alcohol and gender on immune response.” Alcohol Research & Health, Winter, 2002.
• MayoClinic.com. (2008). “Alcohol and your health: Weighing the pros and cons.”
• Morefocus group Inc. “Red Wine and Health, Red Wine in Moderation Can Have a Positive Effect on Health.” Morefocus.com.
• National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia). (2001). Australian Alcohol Guidelines: Health Risks and Benefits.