DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- You may have heard that regular light to moderate drinking can be good for the heart. With heavy or at-risk drinking, however, any potential benefits are outweighed by greater risks, including:
Injuries. Drinking too much increases your chances of being injured or even killed. Alcohol is a factor, for example, in about 60% of fatal burn injuries, drownings, and homicides; 50% of severe trauma injuries and sexual assaults; and 40% of fatal motor vehicle crashes, suicides, and fatal falls.
Health problems. People who drink heavily have a greater risk of liver disease, heart disease, sleep disorders, depression, stroke, bleeding from the stomach, sexually transmitted infections from unsafe sex, and several types of cancer. They may have problems managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and other conditions.
Additionally, alcohol is full of empty calories. One shot of whisky contains approximately 100 calories. A 3.5 serving of moscato can up your caloric intake to 165. Considering a refreshing pina colada this summer? Consider the 490 calories as well.
You can calculate the total calories for you drinks by visiting https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/tools/
Calculators/calorie-calculator.aspx
Birth defects. Drinking during pregnancy can cause brain damage and other serious problems in the baby. 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 disorders. An alcohol use disorder is a medical condition that doctors can diagnose when a patient's drinking causes distress or harm. In the United States, about 17 million people have an alcohol use disorder.
Beyond these physical and mental health risks, frequent, heavy drinking also is linked with personal problems, including losing a driver's license and having relationship troubles.
This article is adapted from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, What are the Risk?
It is not meant as a substitute for professional help.
If you or someone you know needs help, please seek support from the
ADAPT clinic, located on the third floor of the Main Clinic (696-5380).