Is there a safe amount of alcohol, and what is meant by moderate drinking?

Is there a completely risk-free amount?

There is no amount of alcohol that can be described as completely free of health risks. Recent sources indicate that alcohol consumption is associated with health risks even at low levels, and that some risks, including certain types of cancer, may increase with the consumption of small amounts. Therefore, the term "moderate drinking" does not mean the amount is completely safe; rather, it is a term used to describe a consumption level lower than excessive drinking. [1] [2]

If a person does not already drink alcohol, it is not recommended to start drinking for the purpose of gaining a health benefit; not drinking may be the lower-risk choice. [2]

What does moderate drinking mean?

According to the definition used in U.S. health guidelines, moderate drinking for adults of legal drinking age is defined as consuming no more than two drinks a day for men or one drink a day for women. These limits describe a level of consumption and do not mean that drinking this amount daily eliminates risks. Also, the actual size of a drink alone does not determine the amount of alcohol; a single serving can contain more than one "standard drink" depending on the alcohol concentration and the size of the cup. [3]

Moderate drinking differs from binge drinking or heavy drinking, which are patterns associated with higher risks of injury and health problems. Therefore, moderation limits should not be used as a goal to be reached or as a way to compensate for days without drinking by consuming a larger amount on one occasion. [1]

Why does the word "moderate" not mean beneficial?

While older studies may have suggested potential health benefits to moderate consumption, stronger evidence no longer supports the idea that starting to drink alcohol improves health or extends life. Sources explain that even moderate consumption may increase some risks of disease and death compared to not drinking, and that reducing the amount is healthier than drinking larger quantities. [3]

Known risks include certain types of cancer, liver disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and other problems, and risks generally increase as the amount of alcohol increases. [1] [2]

When should alcohol be avoided entirely?

There are situations where avoiding alcohol is the clear choice, including pregnancy or potential pregnancy, certain medical conditions, use of medications that may interact with alcohol, inability to control the amount consumed, and recovery from alcohol use disorder. Minors should also not drink alcohol. [3]

If a person has been drinking heavily for a long time, stopping suddenly may cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Medical assistance should be sought to establish a safe cessation plan; the existence of this risk does not mean that continuing to drink is an appropriate treatment. [4]

Therefore, if you already drink, reducing consumption lowers risks compared to drinking larger amounts, but not drinking remains the lower-risk option. And if you do not drink, there is no need to start for the sake of "moderate drinking." For further reading: Alcohol Risks and Health Impact (Arabic).

Medical references

• Alcohol
• Alcohol Use and Your Health
• About Moderate Alcohol Use | Alcohol Use | CDC
• Should You Cut Down or Quit? | Rethinking Drinking | NIAAA