Articles
Alcohol use: Weighing risks and benefits
Possible health benefits of moderate alcohol use
Guidelines for moderate alcohol use
When to avoid alcohol use
The risks of heavy alcohol use
Drink alcohol only in moderation — or not at all
Content
Defining moderate
Pros and cons of moderate alcohol use
Risks of heavy alcohol use
When to avoid alcohol
Deciding about drinking
When to avoid alcohol
In certain situations, the risks of alcohol may outweigh the possible health benefits. For example, check with your doctor about drinking if:
- You're pregnant or trying to become pregnant
- You've been diagnosed with alcoholism or alcohol addiction, or you have a strong family history of alcoholism
- You've had a hemorrhagic stroke (when a blood vessel in your brain leaks or ruptures)
- You have liver or pancreatic disease
- You have heart failure or you've been told you have a weak heart
- You take prescription or over-the-counter medications that can interact with alcohol
