Alcohol and Health: Current Evidence

When depression and substance abuse occur together, as is common, either condition can hamper effective treatment of the other. Behavioral interventions that address both conditions have not been rigorously tested. Although delivering such interventions by computer holds promise for extending their reach, their effectiveness in treating these co-occurring disorders remains unknown.

Safer drinking recommendations for older people are debated and vary from country to country (e.g., 1 or less drink per day in the United States but 2 or less drinks per day in England).

Persistent pain is common among alcohol and drug users who have undergone residential detoxification and increases the likelihood of relapse. This study suggests that clinicians must be careful to screen for pain symptoms in patients with substance dependence.

Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, although data are inconclusive. It is certainly plausible that excess sun exposure can be added to the list of risky behaviors associated with alcohol.

This research study in an animal model of HIV disease suggests that heavy alcohol use among people infected with HIV would increase viral load and accelerate disease progression.