How much is too much alcohol over the holidays? A doctor explains
CTV
The holidays are here, as are the parties, happy hours and other get-togethers that often offer abundant mixed drinks, beer and wine.
The holidays are here, as are the parties, happy hours and other get-togethers that often offer abundant mixed drinks, beer and wine.
We all know that too much alcohol is bad for us, but how much is too much? Is it better to drink a lot on one day and then not drink the rest of the week, or to space out the drinks? What are signs that someone has a problem with drinking? And what should people do who want to moderate alcohol intake over the holidays?
To guide us through these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. She previously was Baltimore’s health commissioner.
CNN: Why is too much alcohol considered a health hazard?
Dr. Leana Wen: There is abundant research showing that excessive drinking on a regular basis is associated with many chronic illnesses, including heart disease, cancer and early death. In the U.S., liver disease associated with alcohol is the leading cause of liver transplants. Alcohol use is estimated to cause approximately 178,000 deaths each year. The height of the COVID-19 pandemic saw an average of 488 deaths per day due to excessive alcohol use.
CNN: How much alcohol is too much?
Wen: According to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults of legal drinking age should not drink more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men on days that they are drinking. The guidelines also emphasize that drinking less alcohol is better than drinking more and that those who do not currently drink alcohol should not start drinking.
