One Less

Sign on a bar that reads, "Did you know alcohol is linked to more than 200 health risks?"

Drinking less alcohol can benefit your health

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.

Short-Term Benefits of Having One Less

Drinking less alcohol can have immediate health benefits.

Better Sleep

Drinking less alcohol can improve the quality of your sleep and make you feel more refreshed in the morning. Alcohol disrupts sleeping patterns

Better Mental Health

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.

Better Weight Management

The calories in alcohol add up. Drinking less alcohol can help you better manage your weight and reduce bloating.

Better Skin Hydration

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.

Long-Term Benefits of Having One Less

Drinking less alcohol can have lasting health benefits.

Decreased Risk of Dementia

Drinking too much alcohol too often can cause alcohol-related dementia. Learn more about moderate drinking guidelines to avoid excess drinking.

Decreased Blood Pressure

Research shows that every single drink, even one a day, can increase blood pressure over the years.

Decrease Risk of Heart Disease

Even one glass a day (or 6-7 drinks a week) can increase risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

Decreased Risk of Cancer

Alcohol is one of the most preventable risk factors for cancer (e.g. prostate, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon).

Decreased Health Risks for Women

Even with fewer alcoholic drinks, women are at greater risk for health issues compared to men.

Women who drink develop liver disease, cardiomyopathy and nerve damage after fewer years than men who do the same.

Alcohol is a major risk factor for breast cancer, and risk increases with each unit of alcohol consumed per day.

Learn more at You First.

You shouldn't drink alcohol if you are:

Younger than 21
Pregnant or may be pregnant
Driving, planning to drive, or participating in activities requiring skill, coordination and alertness
Taking certain medications that can interact with alcohol
Living with certain medical conditions
In recovery