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Home How much is too much What's the harm? What are the risks?

What are the risks?


Health problems. Drinking can cause a number of health problems and is associated with over 200 diseases and injury-related conditions. Studies have shown that one drink a day increases the risk of breast cancer in women. Research has also shown that alcohol misuse increases the risk of liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, depression, and stomach bleeding, as well as cancers of the oral cavity, esophagus, larynx, pharynx, liver, colon, and rectum. They may also have problems managing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, pain, and sleep disorders. And they are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behavior, putting themselves and others at risk for sexually transmitted diseases and unintentional pregnancies.

Birth defects. Prenatal alcohol exposure can result in brain damage and other serious problems in the baby. The effects are known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, or FASD, and can result in lifelong physical, cognitive, and behavioral problems. Because it is not yet known whether any amount of alcohol is safe for a developing baby, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not drink.

Alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition that doctors can diagnose when a patient's drinking interferes with their daily life. Some signs are: continuing to drink even though it is causing trouble with your family or at work, drinking more than you intended, having to drink more than before to get a desired effect, being unable to stop drinking after repeated attempts, or continuing to drink even though it makes you feel depressed or anxious. Learn more about the symptoms of AUD. Any of these symptoms may be a cause for concern. The more symptoms one has, the more urgent the need for change.


Is your "lite" beer light in alcohol?



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How many "drinks" are in a bottle of wine?



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Among the dangers of underage drinking:



Highest risk


Increased risk


Low-risk drinking





Light to moderate drinking

Heavy or at-risk drinking

Low-risk drinking







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