In addition, male and female demographics and clinical characteristics by drinking status presented separately in Table S3 and S4 as the difference of health risk in relation to alcohol between male and females does exist. As the majority of drinkers Besides most smokers were male in this study cohort.

Table 3 shows the comparison of mortality risks of males by drinking status by different causes of deaths, with non-drinkers as the reference. After controlled for 14 confounders, regular drinkers who were nonsmokers had significant increase mortality risk in all cause HR 1.

As shown in Table 1 , the alcohol consumption rate is quite different between males and females. The rate of modest drinking and regular drinking in males is Since the number of female deaths is relatively small, we only analyze the life expectancy in males.

Compared with nondrinkers, regular drinkers in males shortened life by 6. In the other hand, male modest drinkers gain 0. The difference in life expectancy among drinking status, compared to non-drinker.

x-axis means the difference in life expectancy years among drinking status, compared to non-drinker. Regular Drinker include ex-drinker group. In this cohort study of , adults in Taiwan, the results suggested that modest drinking is associated with significantly reduced risk of all-cause mortality, diabetes mellitus, expanded CVD diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease , respiratory system disease include COPD , and suicide; whereas a 2 to 4 folds increased risk of oral cancer and esophageal cancer.

The results also showed that male modest drinkers gain 0. It appears that a little drinking could be better than none. However, drinking beyond modest amount led to a large loss of life expectancy of 7—10 years in males. Given that drinkers are prone to cross the line from limited benefits to grave consequences, clinicians should cautious in their recommendations.

This large population-based cohort study is the first study to use the life expectancy to assess the absolute risk from the different levels of alcohol consumption.

The mortality risks of various diseases in males were analyzed from the data of the National Cancer Registry and National Death File. On the other hand, the co-use of smoking in drinkers is common 23 , To avoid the mixing effect of smoking and drinking, the subgroup analysis was conducted to make the results closer to real world because of the high co-use rate, There were still some limitations in this study.

First, we collected the self-reported responses at baseline, but the participants might change their consumption behavior during follow-up. Recall bias may also exist in these self-report materials.

Changes in drinking behavior, whether increasing or decreasing, and underreporting of alcohol use may affect the quality of drinking data used in this study. All subjects in this study aged 20 years or older were recruited by the MJ Health Group, Taiwan, to participate in a standard health-screening program between and A total of 11, deaths were identified with a median follow-up period of 8.

According to the previous study 25 , women were more likely than men to be former rather than current drinkers in 87 of 96 age-specific comparisons, and in the majority of age groups in 30 of the 32 countries, meaning that men are less likely to quit alcohol than women.

Take Japan as an example, the rate of former drinker in men was only 3. The period of our study is from to , and the average follow-up period was 8. According to previous literature, the rate of drinkers who quit alcohol is not high, we speculate that the impact on the results should be limited.

However, the inability to continuously track drinking status is indeed one of the main limitations of this study, and we must make improvements in future study design. Secondly, there might be residual confounding factors in addition to the 15 confounders we controlled, such as the mental and socioeconomic status in suicide analysis.

Lastly, the case numbers in certain death categories were too small, such as breast and bladder cancer, and may affect the statistical accuracy. This study of Asians is similar to previous studies of Asian alcohol consumption, in that the effects of alcohol on Asians cannot be underestimated. The prevalence of abstainers in our study was Such a difference has no obvious explanation.

Underreporting of alcohol consumption may lead the risks to be biased toward the null hypothesis The alcohol-attributable fraction AF of all cancers was highest in the Western Pacific region around the world, with 7.

However, the opposite research indicated that modest drinking may be beneficial to health within Asia population 27 , 28 , Although there is no global consensus on alcohol consumption recommendation, countries usually have their own standards.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans —, women can drink up to 14 g of pure alcohol per day and men can drink 28 g per day. Previous research had also indicated that the light to modest drinking could decrease the all-cause mortality 4 , However, the Korean meta-analysis proposed that mild alcohol consumption have no benefit for all-cause, cancer-related, and cardiovascular mortality Zaitsu et al.

indicated that the light to modest drinking elevated the all-cancer incidence Another Japanese pooled analysis revealed an increased dose—response relationship between alcohol and colorectal cancer incidence, and the relation was more apparent in Japanese than in Western populations These results of previous studies showed that the harm of alcohol might be greater in Asia.

Our study shows only 0. About two thirds of modest drinkers smoke, meaning that only a small percentage of people can benefit from modest drinking. Moreover, alcohol is addictive and affects judgment, making it difficult to control the amount within two drinks.

Once more than two drinks each time and three times a week, the life expectancy in males may reduced by 6. This study aims to examine the effect on different diseases of modest dirking. The CVD benefit of modest drinking are the most frequently mentioned.

Previous studies have strongly indicated that modest drinking was beneficial to CVD 13 , 14 , 15 , 35 , In contrast, Holmes et al. indicated that there were no protective effects toward CVD in low-moderate alcohol consumption group based on the Mendelian randomization analysis Our study also reveals non-significant CVD risk between modest-drinker and non-drinker Table 2.

The effect of modest drinking on CVD is still controversial. However, in terms of expanded CVD i. Consistent with our results, other studies also revealed the reduced type 2 diabetes risk among modest drinkers in both Western and Asian populations by improving the insulin sensitivity 7 , 9 , 29 , Our study proposed that the modest-drinking group has no significant effects on cancer mortality, both generally or in any particular cancer.

The effects on the different types of alcohol related cancers in previous research were still controversial 32 , 33 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , but these studies included few Asian populations or did not adjust the interaction of smoking and other confounding factors.

Previous research had similar findings of lung cancer 8 , The possible protective effects might be due to anti-carcinogenic and chemo-preventive properties of the flavonoids 45 , On the other hand, our results discover that even modest drinking significantly increased 3. The study using the most recent International Agency for Research on Cancer IARC monograph also showed that the cancers with the highest PAFs were cancers of oesophagus, pharynx, and lip and oral cavity The risks are much higher than 1.

In addition, the concurrent use of tobacco and alcohol is common and increasing over time, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged population 24 , The mortality risk of esophageal cancer is more than 5 times in modest drinkers who smoke compared to non-drinker.

This is an important issue about cancer prevention we must pay attention to. In conclusions, modest drinkers, no more than one drink a day, had benefits and could gain nearly 1 year in life expectancy, in contrast to a loss of nearly 7 years if drinking more than that.

Given the reality that drinkers are prone to cross the line, clinicians should balance the risks and benefits of drinking, as well as the understanding of whether the patient is at risk for addiction. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards at the China Medical University CRREC and National Health Research Institutes ECE , Taiwan.

The requirement for written informed consent was waived by the Institutional Review Board. All analyses adhered to the guidelines and regulations of the ethics committee of National Health Research Institutes.

All subjects aged 20 years or older were recruited by the MJ Health Group, Taiwan, to participate in a standard health-screening program between and Excluding individuals without drinking data, a study cohort of , individuals was established. Participants had tests for blood, urine, body measurements, functional tests, physical examination and completed a comprehensive health history questionnaire to collect medical history and epidemiological data.

Drinking status was defined from questionnaire according to not only self-report never or occasional drinker, ex-drinker and drink alcohol three times or more a week and two or more drinks a week, the amount of alcohol each time was estimated by number of drinks.

In additions, most ex-drinkers and ex-smokers might quit because alcohol and cigarettes had led some health problems.

Leisure time physical activity LTPA volume was ascertained by three multiple choice questions. Causes of death were classified according to International Classification of Diseases, 9th version ICD Health outcome variables were all causes mortality ICD-9 codes — , all cancer ICD-9 codes — , oral cancer ICD-9 codes — , esophageal cancer ICD-9 codes , stomach cancer ICD-9 codes , colon rectum cancer ICD-9 codes — , liver cancer ICD-9 codes , pancreas cancer ICD-9 codes , lung cancer ICD-9 codes , breast cancer ICD-9 codes , prostate cancer ICD-9 codes , bladder cancer ICD-9 codes , Diabetes mellitus ICD-9 codes , cardiovascular disease CVD ICD-9 codes — , ischemic heart disease ICD-9 codes — , stroke ICD-9 codes — , respiratory system disease ICD-9 codes — , COPD ICD-9 codes — , digestive system disease ICD-9 codes — , cirrhosis ICD-9 codes , kidney disease ICD-9 codes — , accidents ICD-9 codes — and suicide ICD-9 codes — Expanded CVD was CVD plus diabetes plus kidney disease.

Using the unique national identification numbers, subjects were each matched with the National Cancer Registry and National Death File between and Informed consent was obtained to authorize the processing and analyzing of the data. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards at the National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan.

A detailed description of this method has been reported earlier. Risk predictors were subjected to Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to identify significant predictors in multivariate models. HRs were calculated using Cox proportional hazards model, with adjustments made, when appropriate, for confounders.

We selected confounders based on literature that address the increase risk for drinking, with most of them similar to confounders we used in other studies 50 , HRs were adjusted for 15 confounding variables, including 2 continuous and 13 categorical variables.

Life expectancy was calculated based on Chiang LE1 for drinkers and LE2 for nondrinkers. After adjusted for age and gender, we found the odds ratio between smoking and drinking is much larger than odds ratios between BMI and drinking or physical activity and drinking.

Therefore, we performed further analysis of mortality risks by smoking status rather than other important lifestyle risk factors of health-related outcomes such as BMI or physical activity.

All statistical tests were two-sided with the alpha level set at 0. Jayasekara, H. et al. Alcohol consumption for different periods in life, intake pattern over time and all-cause mortality.

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Alcohol is mostly absorbed by the small intestine , where it then migrates into the bloodstream. Drinking on an empty stomach means that the alcohol will have less to bypass as it flows into the small intestine.

This results in a much quicker absorption, intensifying the negative side effects of drinking booze. Eating beforehand will slow down the passage of alcohol and subsequent absorption.

Moderate drinking by getting plenty of H Not only will drinking water in between alcoholic beverages reduce dehydration caused by alcohol, but it will also help you to monitor how much you are drinking. For something more fun and sophisticated than water, why not try alternating with alcohol-free drinks?

For example:. Whilst this may seem counterintuitive, try drinking your vodka, whisky, rum, or other spirit of choice neat. Drinking alcohol in moderation greatly reduces your risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease and various cancers.

For a full list of moderate drinking advantages, read our article on Why You Should Try Alcohol-Free. The cause behind why people drink too much or binge drink is much more nuanced than simply labelling it as an addiction. As Dr Adi Jaffe explains , the focus that everybody puts on quitting or on abstinence can actually cause more failure than success.

If you drink over the recommended amount, is there a reason for this? Is it a coping mechanism? Peer pressure? Whatever the underlying cause s , understanding it will help you to effectively develop a more balanced and healthy relationship with alcohol.

If you are worried that you are misusing alcohol, then we recommend you talk to your doctor or contact our charity partner, Alcohol Change UK. Join us on Instagram and let us know your thoughts.

DOWNLOAD OUR ON-TRADE SURVEY REPORT HERE. SPIRITS See More FRESH CITRUS PURE HIBISCUS DANDY SMOKE RICH BERRY. ON TRADE STOCKISTS. How to moderate your drinking Each person is unique and therefore, you may find that you need to try different methods to create a balance with your own drinking habits.

You can try the following tips to moderate your drinking: 1.

Difficulty absorbing vitamins and minerals from food can cause fatigue and anemia , a condition where you have a low red blood cell count. Drinking alcohol can lower your inhibitions, so you might assume alcohol can ramp up your fun in the bedroom. Excessive drinking may affect your menstrual cycle and potentially increase your risk for infertility.

No amount of alcohol is considered safe for pregnant people. It can lead to miscarriage , stillbirth, or premature delivery. Children exposed to alcohol in the womb may experience a range of complications after birth, including:.

Long-term alcohol use can affect bone density , leading to thinner bones and increasing your risk of fractures if you fall. Weakened bones may also heal slower. Drinking alcohol can also lead to muscle weakness , cramping, and eventually atrophy. A weakened immune system has a harder time protecting you from germs and viruses.

People who drink heavily over a long period of time are also more likely to develop pneumonia or tuberculosis than the general population.

The World Health Organization WHO links about 8. Drinking alcohol can also factor into your cancer risk:. Regular drinking can also affect overall mental health and well-being, in part because alcohol may worsen symptoms of certain mental health conditions, including anxiety , depression , and bipolar disorder.

You might also notice feelings of anxiety with a hangover. Alcohol use can factor into mental health symptoms that closely resemble those of other mental health conditions. The latest edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5 , which mental health professionals use to diagnose mental health conditions, includes diagnostic criteria for:.

These symptoms typically improve quickly when alcohol use stops. Some people who drink eventually develop a tolerance to alcohol. As a result, they eventually need to drink more to notice the same effects they once did. When you stop drinking, you might notice a range of physical, emotional, or mental health symptoms that ease as soon as you have a drink.

Tolerance and dependence can both happen as symptoms of alcohol use disorder , a mental health condition previously referred to as alcoholism, that happens when your body becomes dependent on alcohol.

This condition can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of symptoms you have. Learn more about the signs of alcohol use disorder.

Alcohol withdrawal can be difficult and, in some cases, life threatening. Depending on how often you drink and how much, you may need support from a healthcare professional if you want to stop drinking. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:.

Seizures , hallucinations , and delirium may occur in severe cases of withdrawal. Medical detoxification can help you stop drinking safely. Your doctor may recommend treatment at a clinic or at home, depending on your risk for withdrawal symptoms. Looking for mental health support near you?

Call HELP or TTY to get guidance on local options for support and treatment. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Learn how long alcohol can be detected in your system, and how long the effects from alcohol may last.

Find out how alcoholic beverages affect your teeth. If you consume alcohol or experience alcohol withdrawal, you may have night sweats. Learn how alcohol triggers night sweats and how to reduce your…. Drinking can be a healthy social experience, but consuming large amounts of alcohol, even one time, can lead to serious health complications.

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Follow NBC News. For most moderate drinkers, alcohol has overall health benefits. While moderate drinking can increase the risk of colon and breast cancer, these risks are trumped by the boost in cardiovascular health—especially in middle age, when heart disease begins to account for an increasingly large share of disease and deaths.

Heavy drinkers, with their increased risk of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, cirrhosis, and dependence should cut back or stop drinking altogether. A pregnant woman should also avoid alcohol, since it can cause brain damage to the unborn child.

The contents of this website are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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