A recent Gallup poll, published on August 13, reveals that nearly half (45%) of Americans believe moderate alcohol consumption may be harmful to health. This sentiment is echoed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which declared in 2023 that no amount of alcohol is safe. These findings come amid rising awareness about the health risks associated with alcohol, as numerous studies and experts underscore its potential dangers.
The poll shows an increase in awareness, with 37% of respondents ages 35 to 54 and 39% of those 55 and older agreeing that alcohol may cause harm. This marks a 6 percentage point increase from last year and a 17 percentage point increase from 2018, setting an all-time high for this survey over the past two decades. Additionally, around 65% of adults ages 18 to 34 report that alcohol negatively affects health.
Current guidelines for moderate drinking suggest up to 14 grams or one drink per day for females and up to 28 grams or two drinks per day for males when alcohol is consumed. However, a study published in JAMA defined moderate drinking as 20–40 grams of alcohol per day for males and 10–20 grams per day for females. The researchers found the lowest alcohol-related mortality risks among individuals who consumed no more than 10 grams of alcohol daily, which is less than one standard drink.
David Cutler, MD, emphasizes the misconceptions surrounding alcohol consumption: “There is a pervasive myth that low or moderate alcohol consumption improves health outcomes.” He adds, “The big picture of the health risks of alcohol should not be ignored.” This is supported by Daniel Landau, MD, who notes, “The conversion of alcohol to formaldehyde is one of the prevailing theories as to why alcohol is detrimental to our organs, especially our liver.”
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) explains that when alcohol is metabolized by the body, most of the ethanol is broken down by the liver into a toxic compound called acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen. This aligns with a 2011 study that detected toxic formaldehyde in 132 of 508 alcoholic beverage samples.
While the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 acknowledges emerging evidence showing that drinking within current recommendations may raise the risk of death from all causes, including cancer and heart disease, it advises caution. “People who are over the age of 60 often have other comorbidities such as diabetes or heart disease and are already at higher risks of developing cancers,” notes Daniel Landau, MD.
Despite these warnings, some research has highlighted potential benefits of light and moderate alcohol consumption. A 2020 review reported health benefits such as reduced cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Nonetheless, only 8% of people believe that alcohol may have a positive effect, which Gallup notes is the lowest on record.
Should you stop drinking alcohol?
The “sober curious” movement is growing among Gen Zers, reflecting a shift in attitudes toward alcohol consumption. David Cutler, MD acknowledges this trend: “There is a growing ‘sober curious’ movement among Gen Zers.” This movement aligns with WHO’s stern stance: “No amount of alcohol is safe.”
As public awareness about the risks associated with alcohol continues to grow, it is crucial to consider both the potential benefits and significant dangers. Daniel Landau, MD remains cautious but open-minded: “I remain a believer in ‘everything in moderation.’” The evolving understanding of alcohol’s impact on health may lead to further changes in guidelines and public perceptions.
Parts of this article has been sourced by Healthline and fact-checked by Jennifer Chesak, MSJ
Featured Image by tirachardz on Freepik
Leave a Reply