The Consumption of Alcohol is Not Recommended

Drinking Guidelines are Critically Important for Health and Safety

Feb 7, 2009 Nelson Acquilano

Alcohol is a powerful drug with properties that can make it toxic or addictive. Each day alcohol kills 350 Americans and leaves thousands homeless, in jails or hospitals.

In “Results from the 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings”, Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA, June 16, 2008, the survey reported the prevalence rates of drinking. The study showed that slightly more than half of Americans aged 12 or older reported being current drinkers of alcohol (51.8 percent.) One fifth (22.7 percent) participated in binge drinking (five or more drinks on the same occasion in the preceding 30 days), and heavy drinking was reported by 6.6 percent of the population (binge drinking at least 5 days in the past 30.) This level of drinking leads into many types of negative problems.

Alcohol and Health

One wants to safeguard individual and family health. As such, the following guidelines should be followed regarding alcohol consumption:

First: The Consumption of Alcohol is Not Recommended

The consumption of alcohol is not recommended. In a report released in October 1991 regarding dietary guidelines by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it was stated that “The Consumption of Alcohol is Not Recommended.”

The report said that alcoholic beverages supply calories but little or no nutrients. Drinking has no net health benefit, is linked with many health problems, is the cause of many accidents, and can lead to addiction. The report highlighted an association between alcohol intake and cancers and other medical problems. It also stated that while some studies may suggest that moderate drinking is linked to lower risk for heart attacks, drinking is also linked to higher risk for high blood pressure and hemorrhagic stroke. The consumption of alcohol is not recommended. This recommendation suggests that the best course of action for prevention, is not to place oneself in the position of suffering any problems from alcohol consumption in the first place.

Second: If Adults Do Drink, Do So in Moderation

If adults do elect to drink alcoholic beverages, they should consume them in moderate amounts (i.e., in insignificant amounts.) According to an article by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), for most people, “moderate drinking” causes few if any problems. Moderate drinking, though, is specifically defined. According to the NIAAA moderate drinking for women is no more than 1 standard drink per day. For men, moderate drinking is no more than 2 standard drinks per day. (A standard drink may be considered 12 ounces of beer, 4 to 5 ounces of wine, or 1 ounce of liquor.)

Overall the NIAAA said that research shows few alcohol related problems for those who consistently remain at this level of alcohol consumption.

Third: Some People Should Never Drink

Some people should never drink. It may be best for the following populations to totally abstain from drinking: women who are pregnant or trying to conceive; people who have a family history of alcoholism including children of alcoholics; individuals who plan to drive or engage in activities that require attention or special skills such as operating machinery, using firearms, boating or swimming; all children and young adults under age 21; and individuals who cannot consistently keep their drinking moderate or who have an alcohol problem. These special populations may have risk factors for developing alcohol problems.

Abstinence is the Best Policy

An alcohol problem is serious. Alcohol can and does kill. Abstinence is the best policy, but if one chooses to drink and consistently follows moderate drinking guidelines, there is a low probability for developing alcohol problems.

If there is a problem one should always seek professional assistance. Contact a local treatment agency or call the National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Information Center at 1-800-784-6776 for more information.

Reference:

Drinking Problems and Americans

Alcoholism is a Family Disease

Definition of Moderate Drinking by NIAAA

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To Drink, or Not to Drink?