Every glass of wine, beer, or cocktail adds up. Each drink puts you at risk for over 200 health conditions, including heart issues, stroke, high blood pressure, dementia, and many cancers. But consistently having one less can go a long way to reducing your risk.
Drinking less alcohol, either on an occasion or over time, can have positive effects on your health, quality of life and safety.
Drinking less alcohol can have immediate health benefits.
Drinking less alcohol can improve the quality of your sleep and make you feel more refreshed in the morning. Alcohol disrupts sleeping patterns
Drinking to cope with stress, anxiety or depression can have the opposite effect. Alcohol is a depressant and can make mental health issues like depression and anxiety worse.
The calories in alcohol add up. Drinking less alcohol can help you better manage your weight and reduce bloating.
Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration, flushing, dryness and reduced elasticity in your skin. It could also make skin conditions worse. Drinking less can help your skin feel fresh and hydrated.
Drinking less alcohol can have lasting health benefits.
Drinking too much alcohol too often can cause alcohol-related dementia. Learn more about moderate drinking guidelines to avoid excess drinking.
Research shows that every single drink, even one a day, can increase blood pressure over the years.
Alcohol is one of the most preventable risk factors for cancer (e.g. prostate, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon).
Even with fewer alcoholic drinks, women are at greater risk for health issues compared to men.
Alcohol is a major risk factor for breast cancer, and risk increases with each unit of alcohol consumed per day.
There are a number of apps available for your phone to help track your alcohol use and help you reduce or quit drinking alcohol.
Try searching "alcohol" in your digital app finder.
