SOME OF ALCOHOL’S EFFECTS ON THE
BRAIN AND BODY
• Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a
chronic relapsing brain disease/condi-
tion characterized by an impaired
ability to stop or control alcohol use
despite adverse social , occupational,
or health consequences (ranging from
mild to severe; recovery is possible
regardless of severity)
• Alcohol negatively impacts pregnancy
outcomes.
• Drinking alcohol increases the risk
of cancers of the mouth, esophagus,
pharynx, larynx, liver, and breast.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF ALCOHOL IN
MODERATION
• According to the 2015-2020 Dietary
Guidelines for Americans, moderate
alcohol consumption is up to 1 drink
per day for women and up to 2 drinks
per day for men.
• Moderate alcohol consumption may
have some beneficial effects on health
(decreased risk for heart disease, isch-
emic stroke, and diabetes).
• More information about potential bene-
fits of alcohol and risks of moderate
alcohol consumption can be found at
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15201626
WHAT WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND
• Our understanding of the relationship
between moderate alcohol consump-
tion and potential health benefits
remains a challenge.
•
•
Although there are positive effects,
alcohol may not benefit everyone who
drinks moderately.
Alcohol’s effects on your brain and
body depend on several factors that
include—how much, how often, your age,
gender, and overall health status.
ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER
We must consistently make good
choices within our limited range of choices.
This translates to gathering the facts about
alcohol and carefully weighing the benefits
versus the harmful effects. Individuals over
the age of 21 must determine if the benefits
associated with moderate alcohol consump-
tion outweigh the potential risk for overuse
of alcohol. Family gatherings, festive occa-
sions, athletic events, parties, and family
households are venues where children,
adolescents and young adults may be
exposed to adults (21 and older) consuming
alcohol. Therefore, it is necessary for respon-
sible adults to be equipped with the knowl-
edge and skills to (a) encourage conversations
and actions that will eliminate alcohol misuse;
and (b) discourage under age use of alcohol.
REFLECTIONS
Are you sober or self-disciplined and
able to think rationally and not foolishly
after consuming just one social drink?
Are you able to demonstrate wisdom
and discernment while under the influence
of alcohol?
Are family members concerned and/or
embarrassed when you drink alcohol?
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