Is there a safe amount of alcohol? New study overturns what we knew

A new scientific study challenges the widespread myth that moderate alcohol intake is good for health. Findings published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs indicate that health risks consistently rise with increased consumption, without any discernible positive effects.

The research, which reviewed more than 7,000 publications and selected 16 studies meeting scientific criteria, examined how health risks change with alcohol quantity. Scientists analyzed data on alcohol-related illnesses, including various cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and liver conditions.

The analysis revealed a clear pattern: higher weekly alcohol consumption directly correlates with an increased risk of death. Researchers found that consuming around seven drinks weekly is associated with a lifelong death risk of at least 1 in 1,000. This risk escalates significantly beyond that threshold. For instance, exceeding 8.5 drinks per week raises the risk to 1 in 100, and at 14 drinks, it's estimated at 1 in 25.

Previously, some studies suggested moderate wine consumption might protect against ischemic heart disease or stroke. However, this new analysis indicates that any potential cardiovascular benefits are outweighed by the increased risks of other alcohol-related illnesses and injuries. Experts emphasize that these findings apply to the general population and do not predict individual risk, which can be influenced by genetics and personal habits. The study reinforces the position that "the less, the better" regarding alcohol consumption.