Balancing risks and
benefits of alcohol
Spring 2016, Issue 4
PHARM FACTS
Auburn University
Pharmaceutical
Care Center
Fall 2014
IS DRINKING ACTUALLY HEALTHY?
Humans have been
Know the facts
healthy. If we are drinking
consuming fermented
alcohol differently. How we
alcohol for its proposed health
beverages for around 10,000
react to alcohol is influenced
benefits, we must do so in
years. For much of this time,
by many factors: age, race or
moderation.
the pros and cons of alcohol
ethnicity, weight, fitness level,
consumption have also been up
how quickly the alcohol was
for debate. The mixed
consumed, amount of food
messages continue today. Is
consumed before the alcohol,
alcohol good or bad for you?
and the list continues. One
The answer depends on many
thing is for certain, excessive
factors. All people react to
alcohol consumption is not
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
1. What constitutes moderate alcohol consumption?
2. What are its benefits?
3. What are the risks of drinking too heavily?
So what defines
“moderate” alcohol
consumption? What are its
benefits? What are the dangers
if we drink too much? These
topics and more are the focus
of this week’s newsletter.
Pharm facts
DID YOU
KNOW…?
The lines on SOLO cups are
actually measurements! These
can help you make sure that you
are not over-consuming alcohol.
There is a line for each type of
alcohol. There’s 12oz for beer,
5oz for wine, and 1oz for liquor.
Whether this was intentional or
happy coincidence, it will help
you track your alcohol intake.
What is “moderate”
Alcohol consumption?
Most studies define
alcohol consumption,
moderate alcohol
most studies show that the
consumption by gender: 1
benefits of alcohol clearly
drink per day for women
outweigh the risks.
and 2 drinks per day for
However, it is important
men. What constitutes “a
to remember that no
drink” though? This
guidelines recommend a
depends on what you are
person start drinking
drinking. “A drink” is
alcohol for its proposed
usually considered to be
benefits. So what are the
12 ounces of beer, 5
benefits?
ounces of wine, or 1.5
ounces of hard liquor
(vodka, gin, whiskey,
etc.). At this level of
;
3
When do the risks
outweigh the benefits?
 You're pregnant or trying to
become pregnant
 You've been diagnosed with
alcoholism or alcohol
abuse, or you have a strong
family history of alcoholism
Health Benefits from Moderate Alcohol
Consumption:
The connection between moderate alcohol consumption and lower
risk of cardiovascular disease has been shown in men and women.
Moderate amounts of alcohol raise the “good cholesterol” or highdensity lipoprotein (HDL). This type of cholesterol protects us
against heart disease by carrying the cholesterol away from our
arteries. Moderate alcohol consumption has also been linked with
beneficial changes, ranging from better sensitivity to insulin to
improvements in factors that influence blood clotting. Such changes
would tend to prevent the formation of small blood clots that can
block arteries in the heart, neck, and brain, the ultimate cause of
many heart attacks and the most common kind of stroke. The
benefits, however, do not stop at the heart. Studies show alcohol in
moderation can lead to a person being less likely to develop
gallstones and type 2 diabetes. Not to mention, a glass of alcohol
with friends can be a way to relax. These stress-relieving effects can
attribute to better health. Studies also show, its not what you
drink, but how you drink that matters. 7 drinks on a Friday night is
not the same as
 You have liver or pancreatic
disease
 You have heart failure or
you've been told you have a
weak heart
 You take prescription or
over-the-counter
medications that can
interact with alcohol
 You've had a hemorrhagic
stroke (when a blood vessel
in your brain leaks or
ruptures)
PHARM FActs
Spring 2016, Issue 4
REMEMBER...
drinking 1 drink every night of the week. While the weekly total is the
same, you will not achieve the same benefits as if you were to drink 1
No information suggests
drink per day.
one should take up
While this information makes it clear that moderate drinking
benefits outweigh the risks, the decision to drink alcohol is a personal one.
drinking just for the
potential health benefits.
There is no indication that someone that does not drink should start
simply for health reasons. Do not feel pressured to drink alcohol, but if
you do drink alcohol, keep it in moderation. And as always, drink
responsibly!
What are the dangers associated with heavy
drinking?
Not everyone can stop drinking after 1 drink. Persistent heavy drinking can take a toll on the
body and cause many negative adverse health effects. Heavy drinking has been linked to pancreatitis,
liver damage, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, and even certain cancers. Additionally, alcohol’s
ability to cloud one’s judgment is legendary.
Keeping the risks in mind will help you make an informed decision whether moderate
alcohol consumption is right for you. You should never feel pressured to drink alcohol. If you have any
questions, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
References:
"Alcohol: Balancing Risks and Benefits." The Nutrition Source. Harvard School of Public Health, 2014. Web. 28 Sept. 2014.
<http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/alcohol-full-story/>.
"Nutrition and Healthy Eating." The Mayo Clinic. N.p., 11 Feb. 2014. Web. 28 Sept. 2014.
<http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fhealthy-living%2Fnutrition-and-healthy-eating%2Fin-depth%2Falcohol%2Fart20044551%3Fpg%3D2>.
"Frequently Asked Questions." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14 Mar. 2014. Web.
29 Sept. 2014. <http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm>.
HIll, Jim. "Did You Know: The Lines On A Solo Cup Are Measurement Marks" KUNC. N.p., 11 June 2012. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.kunc.org/post/did-you-know-lines-solo-cup-are-measurement-marks-update-official-verdict-coincidence>.