A new federal report suggests that drinking alcohol may increase the risk of dying early.
Released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the draft states that even moderate alcohol use could pose serious health risks.
For example, drinking more than seven alcoholic beverages a week gives men and women in the United States a 1 in 1,000 chance of dying from alcohol-related causes.
This risk increases to 1 in 100 if consumption goes above nine drinks a week.
The main goal of the report is to understand how much alcohol people can drink without putting their health in danger. While the report shares important findings, it does not provide specific recommendations.
Current U.S. guidelines suggest that men should limit themselves to two drinks per day and women to one. However, this new research indicates even those levels may be riskier than previously thought.
The report is part of ongoing efforts to update the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, which are co-developed by HHS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These guidelines shape public health policies and inform food and drink labeling in the United States.
What the Report Found
The report focuses on how alcohol contributes to illnesses and injuries. Here are some of the key findings:
- Cancer Risk: Drinking just one alcoholic drink per day increases the risk of certain cancers. Men are 51% more likely to develop esophageal cancer, and women face a 37% higher risk of liver cirrhosis compared to non-drinkers.
- Injury Risk: Having three drinks a day significantly raises the chances of accidental injuries. Both men and women have a 68% greater risk of experiencing unintentional harm, such as falls or accidents.
- Liver Disease: Regular alcohol use sharply increases the risk of liver damage, especially in individuals who already have liver conditions like hepatitis C.
The report also challenges earlier studies that suggested small amounts of alcohol might protect against certain strokes. It found that these benefits disappear after just two drinks per day, indicating that the risks of alcohol likely outweigh any potential health advantages.
What This Could Mean
The Dietary Guidelines have a big impact on how alcohol is perceived and consumed. They influence health policies, product labeling, and public awareness. If the findings in this report are adopted, stricter alcohol recommendations may follow in future guidelines.
However, the report has not been without controversy. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, an organization representing alcohol producers, criticized the report as biased and questioned the methods used.
In a public statement, they claimed the research relied on flawed data and pointed out conflicts of interest among the authors. They also noted that in 2020, a similar recommendation to limit alcohol to one drink a day for all adults was rejected by the Trump administration.
Despite the backlash, many experts believe the findings are valid and important. Dr. Timothy Naimi, a co-author of the report and director of the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, explained that the dangers of alcohol might even be underestimated.
Research has limits in fully capturing alcohol’s long-term effects, and what people consider “moderate drinking” may still carry significant risks.
Next Steps
The public has until February 14, 2025, to submit comments on the report. Feedback will help the HHS and USDA decide how to include alcohol-related advice in the next edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Analysis of the Findings
The report sheds light on the serious risks of alcohol consumption, even at levels many people consider safe. Its findings align with growing evidence that alcohol contributes to a range of health problems, from cancer to injuries.
While critics argue against the methods used, the study’s message is clear: reducing alcohol intake can significantly lower health risks.
The debate over what defines “moderate drinking” highlights how cultural norms and scientific research often clash. Many people see alcohol as part of daily life, but studies like this challenge those perceptions.
Whether stricter guidelines are adopted or not, the report provides valuable insights for anyone seeking to make informed decisions about their health.
If you care about alcoholism, please read studies that your age may decide whether alcohol is good or bad for you, and people over 40 need to prevent dangerous alcohol/drug interactions.
For more information about alcohol, please see recent studies about moderate alcohol drinking linked to high blood pressure, and results showing this drug combo shows promise for treating alcoholism.
