Alcohol Moderation

There is a lot of evidence linking low-risk drinking with lower rates of heart attacks, strokes and dying, especially among middle-aged and older adults. However, most of this is correlational, meaning these things tend to go together without being able to say what causes what. There is a clinical trial under way to actually test whether “prescribing” a daily dose of alcohol reduces cardiac risk or not, and what harmful effects there might be. In the absence of such studies assessing risk versus benefit, it is premature to “prescribe” drinking.

Many experts say the best solution is to give up the booze and never, ever touch it again. But some are touting another controversial option suggesting some drinkers maybe be able to continue drinking, in moderation. "The majority of clinical programs teach or preach abstinence. If you have a problem with alcohol, you should stop drinking now and not drink alcohol in any quantity," says Dr. Patrick Marsh, an assistant professor of psychiatry in the University of South Florida's Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Medicine. "But maybe there is middle ground."

Seventy years ago, Bill Wilson -- the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous -- declared his powerlessness over alcohol in a book by the same name. The failed businessman contended that, as an alcoholic, he had to "hit bottom" before changing his life and that sobriety could only be achieved through complete abstention. For generations, Americans took these tenets to be true for everyone. Top addiction experts are no longer sure. They now say that many drinkers can evaluate their habits and -- using new knowledge about genetic and behavioral risks of addiction -- change those habits if necessary. Even some people who have what are now termed alcohol-use disorders, they add, can cut back on consumption before it disrupts education, ruins careers and damages health.

Alcohol is so widely used that we sometimes forget the harm it can cause to our physical and mental health. So how can we enjoy our drink and stay healthy? Here are sensible limits...

Thinking about healthy living? Doctors agree that drinking more than the sensible limit damages health in the short and long-term. There’s no reason why we can’t enjoy our drink and stay healthy. Here’s how…

Although the benefits and risks associated with moderate drinking have gained increasing attention in recent years from both researchers and the general public, no universal definition of moderate drinking exists. Most currently used definitions are based on a certain number of drinks consumed in a specific time period. Defining a “drink,” however, also is difficult.

New research suggests that when it comes to getting pleasure from alcohol, less may be more. Experiments in rats suggest that a low or moderate amount of drinking releases "feel-good" brain chemicals called beta-endorphins, but this activity tapers off with heavier drinking.

Pragmatic harm reduction strategies which can be implemented by heavy drinkers who are either unable or unwilling to abstain from alcohol or drink moderately. A PowerPoint presentation made by HAMS (Harm reduction, Abstinence, & Moderation Support) at the 7th National Harm Reduction Conference sponsored by the Harm Reduction Coalition in Miami, November, 2008.

The holiday season is a wonderful time for family gatherings and festive parties. The presence of alcoholic beverages is especially prominent, as we enjoy our eggnogs and toast in the New Year. Those who drink responsibly can appreciate the special holiday cheer while balancing it with good food and plenty of water. Alcohol can be a double-edged sword, bringing benefits for some and misery for others.

I had my last drink nearly 16 years ago, so you’d think I would have assimilated pretty much every bit of unpleasantness associated with clean and sober life in a society that remains thoroughly sodden with alcohol. But I still can’t quite handle the holidays. It’s not that I’m driven to drink; just to a certain uncomfortable distraction that doesn’t leave until the holiday season thankfully does.