Many people who drink alcohol do so responsibly and in moderation, meaning women or those over age 65 have no more than one drink per day, and men, no more than two drinks per day.

Drinking at these levels usually doesn’t increase health risks and can help to prevent heart disease in some people. However, those whose drinking is not under control put themselves and others at risk.

Physical Effects
People who abuse alcohol have a higher risk of suffering from these physical conditions:

• Cardiovascular problems. Too much alcohol can lead to high blood pressure and damage to the heart muscle. It also can increase the risk for heart failure.
• Birth defects. Women who drink any amount of alcohol while pregnant may have a child with birth defects and disabilities.
• Diabetes complications. People who have diabetes should speak with their doctors regarding alcohol use because it can prevent the release of glucose from the liver and can increase the risk for low blood sugar.
• Cancer. Alcohol abuse is associated with an increased risk for several cancers, including mouth, throat, esophageal, liver, colorectal, rectal, and breast cancers.
• Impaired judgment and coordination. The immediate effect of drinking even a moderate amount of alcohol includes a reduced ability to safely drive a motor vehicle.
• Medication interactions. Alcohol interacts with hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before drinking any amount of alcohol if you’re taking any medication.

Mental Effects
Alcohol abuse can increase the risk for these mental and emotional problems:

• Depression. People who abuse alcohol have an increased risk for depression.
• Suicide. People who abuse alcohol have an increased suicide risk.
• Impaired memory, decision-making ability, and concentration.
• Declining work and school performance. People who abuse alcohol often don’t fulfill their potential at work and school.

Social Effects
Alcohol abuse has the following effects on nondrinkers and society:

• It is a factor in more than 16,000 fatal car crashes every year.
• It often plays a role in domestic violence and child abuse.
• Its use is related to at least half of all crime, violence, rapes, unintentional sexual activity, assaults, and accidents.
• It increases lost productivity. Government statistics indicate alcohol abuse costs American businesses billions of dollars annually.

For more information, visit The Partnership for a Drug-Free America at www.drugfree.org.

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