Moderated drinking is, in many ways, easier than complete abstinence. When your goal is only one drink instead of no drinks at all, the temptation to stray can become moderate drinking less powerful and you can more often enjoy positive reinforcement from your successes. Maintaining moderation in drinking means starting out with a specific goal.
More time at home may have contributed to less peer pressure to drink, less time in a “wet” culture, and lifestyle changes that might support a shift towards moderation. “Moderate consumption” is limited to one to two alcoholic drinks per day for healthy men and one alcoholic drink per day for healthy women. One drink is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. While light/moderate drinkers lowered their risk for cardiovascular disease, the study also showed that any amount of alcohol increases the risk of cancer.
Don’t Drink If…
We dug into the research and spoke with an expert to bring you answers. During the times when you’re alcohol-free, does it change how you feel and where you place value in your life? Do you find you’re able to think more clearly, focus better, and maintain your energy?
Technically, the only truly safe level of drinking is not drinking at all. However, for many people this is not realistic, nor is this what most people want. Talk with your doctor right away if you have signs of alcohol use disorder — even if you don’t think they’re causing any problems in your life. Keep in mind that the size of the drink and the percent of alcohol makes a difference.
Moderate drinking – and how to keep it that way
A review study (and meta-analysis), which was published in 2011 in the journal BMJ, showed that drinking alcohol significantly raised HDL cholesterol, yet didn’t raise total cholesterol, LDL or triglycerides. It turns out that moderation is possible for many people—even some with chronic, heavy drinking problems. Medication can help people overcome their alcohol cravings and establish new habits. There may be options that can help you cut back, without requiring you to quit alcohol completely. Moderation gives you control of your drinking and allows you to take back control of your life.
Others may need additional support in order to drink in moderation or stop drinking entirely. Even moderate drinking may raise your risk for some types of heart disease and cancer. For example, the risk of breast cancer increases even at low levels of drinking (for example, less than 1 drink in a day). There seems to be a tipping point after which moderate drinking can no longer be controlled and drives the drinker right into alcoholism. With long-term drinking even on moderate terms, the brain physiology is affected by creating long-term alcohol dependence.
Studies suggesting a heart benefit
Studies have found that with the same amount of drink, blood alcohol concentrations are at their highest just before menstruation and at their lowest on the first day after menstruation. Drinking moderately if you’re otherwise healthy may be a risk you’re willing to take. But heavy drinking carries a much higher risk even for those without other health concerns. Be sure to ask your healthcare professional about what’s right for your health and safety. Binge drinking is behavior that raises blood alcohol levels to 0.08%.
- Brierley is a dietitian nutritionist, content creator and strategist, and avid mental health advocate.
- Moderation in all things — maybe that is the key to health and happiness.
- By following this marker of moderate drinking, you can mentally take note and pace yourself when alcohol is involved.
- You can gain similar benefits from increased exercise or healthier eating habits.
- About half of cases of liver disease are attributed to drinking.
For men, heavy drinking means more than four drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks a week. Many people drink alcohol as a personal preference, during social activities, or as a part of cultural and religious practices. People who choose not to drink make that choice for the same reasons. Knowing your personal risk based on your habits can help you make the best decision for you.
Are There Benefits to Moderate Drinking?
Brian Obinna Obodeze is a professional health-niche content developer for AlcoRehab.org with six years of experience as a research writer. He is an expert in medical content development, especially in the field of addictions, general health, homeopathic medicine, and pharmaceuticals. Brian has a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Benin and has worked as a Lab Scientist and as a public healthcare officer. His hobbies include physical fitness, reading, and social entrepreneurship. In the United States, a standard alcoholic drink contains 14 grams of pure alcohol. In the United Kingdom, a standard alcoholic drink is significantly smaller—8 grams.
