We’ve heard it for so long that we’ve all come to accept it as truth: While heavy drinking is clearly bad for you, moderate consumption of alcohol is good for your health.
Now, new research is calling that practice into question.
What Research Says: Is Alcohol Good for You?
A study published in the Lancet medical journal concluded that no amount of alcohol is good for your body.
That’s because, according to the study, alcohol is associated with nearly one in 10 deaths in people ages 15 to 49 around the world. What’s more, drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancer, infectious diseases and injuries—and is linked to some 2.8 million deaths worldwide each year.
Are There Any Benefits to Alcohol?
The study found that there was one conclusive, good benefit to drinking alcohol: It offers some protection against coronary-artery disease in women. But the study went on to say that one small benefit is offset by all of the other risks.
If you’re confused right about now, we understand. We’ve all read the headlines touting the heart benefits for both men and women of moderate drinking.
The consensus seems to be that we need more studies to definitively conclude how exactly alcohol affects our health and if there are any benefits to drinking alcohol.
In the meantime, all experts agree on one point: Heavy drinking is bad for your heart.
It’s easy to cross the line into problem drinking without realizing it. If you think you may have an issue, then it’s important to realize alcoholism is a disease and, just like diabetes, you’ll need help managing it.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment at The Raleigh House
At The Raleigh House in Denver, Colorado, we take a whole-person approach to recovery. That means we don’t just treat the physical addiction. We also try to find out what factors may have contributed to the addiction, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. We work with you to help you recover psychologically, mentally, spiritually and socially. Rehab isn’t just about giving something up; it’s about getting your life back. Fill out our form or contact us today to learn more about the alcohol addiction treatment program at The Raleigh House.
