Even though some doctors are relaxed about moderate drinking, many experts worry about people drinking almost every day.
Some experts—those who consider any alcohol harmful—say 14 servings a week can shorten your life. And life is short enough already.
Where does the figure of 14 come from? That’s the maximum weekly limit recommended by health authorities in the United Kingdom for both women and men. One serving (or dose) of alcohol is defined as 10 grams of pure alcohol—about 25 grams of vodka, 100 grams of dry wine, or 200 grams of beer.
What does 14 servings look like? It could mean a bottle or two of Sauvignon Blanc across the week, a ‘well-deserved’ sherry, or a gin-and-tonic while cooking. It might also mean a couple of pints of beer with friends a few nights a week. And on vacation people often drink even more.
When Dr. Ellie Cannon asked ordinary people to anonymously share their drinking habits, she received a flood of familiar stories. Respondents said they’d never told their family doctors for fear of being labeled alcoholics. As a result, most admitted they probably drink too much.
So, what are the risks associated with the so-called ‘safe’ alcohol limit?
Experts generally split into two camps: those who don’t see moderate drinking as especially alarming, and those who view any alcohol as a significant health risk. The first group argues that we face many other, more serious dangers every day. The second group points to recent studies, as reported by the Daily Mail.
For example, John Holmes, a professor of alcohol policy at the University of Sheffield, says health risks rise with each glass—and they skyrocket with heavy drinking.
Evidence now links alcohol to at least eight types of cancer, plus dementia, heart attacks, strokes, and fatal liver disease.
Breast cancer specialist Liz O’Riordan says alcohol is linked to breast cancer. She shared her own experience: the disease returned twice, and she blames alcohol.
David Spiegelhalter, a professor at Cambridge University, recalled a large American study showing that even one drink a day raises the risk of premature death.
Other researchers are finding growing evidence that small amounts of alcohol—think the classic glass of red wine—may not be beneficial. For years scientists argued that a little alcohol could protect the heart, but studies now suggest people tend to increase their intake over time, which leads to more health problems.
Scientists point out that alcohol’s impact depends on genetics, health status, and age. But good genes, youth, or robust health aren’t lifelong shields against alcohol’s harms.
Either way, alcohol consumption deserves scrutiny. Any ‘safe’ doses today could cause real problems down the road.
