Originally published at: https://boingboing.net/2024/08/15/almost-half-of-americans-think-even-moderate-drinking-is-bad-news-and-science-says-theyre-right.html
…
8 Likes
31 Likes
A couple of things:
In a previous study It was shown that the added risk of having one drink a day was 4 in 100,000.
In this study, the low end of the definition of “moderate” drinking is equivalent to around 18 UK units per week, which is higher than the recommended amount. So their entire “low risk” category contains some people who are drinking more than the reccomended amount. You’d really need to break that out to see if drinking within the guidance is the same risk as occasional drinking.
20 Likes
Yet another unreliable Gallup poll; I highly doubt that anywhere near “all” Americans were surveyed, at any point.
That said, we live in a society where the reality is often so needlessly difficult and depressing that many people seek escapism via altering their consciousness.
22 Likes
Yes, and there are several other important caveats in that study too. As is usually the case it’s way better to read the actual study than it is to read summaries of it in the news, which often leaves out important details or misinterprets the findings.
Here’s one important quote from the study:
8 Likes
I seem to remember reading a job advert in New Scientist years ago; it was looking for a scientist to, specifically, research the “positive effects of heavy drinking”. The advert was placed by National Brewers & Distillers.
10 Likes
Moderate drinking. Yeah…it’s not ringing a bell. What is that?
In all seriousness, I suspect if you are a moderate drinker, the health risk is no greater than just modern life in general, which exposes us to carcinogens pretty much all the time. I can confirm, however, that years of very heavy drinking is really bad for your health. And relationships. And finances. And employment.
22 Likes
“No static, it’s rather automatic; too much of anything makes you an addict…”
~ paraphrased, Nice & Smooth, Sometimes I Rhyme Slow
10 Likes
… sigh 
8 Likes
However, the stress of constantly being knurd is also a health risk.
10 Likes
Earlier this year I decided to try dry January for the heck of it. Additionally, I changed my diet to strictly whole food/plant-based at the same time. This food and drink lifestyle continued through March. I must admit that I felt great physically and mentally. Sadly, old habits eventually creeped back in. I felt bulletproof for a few months though.
13 Likes
lol “one or two drinks a day” was never moderate consumption or a “healthy habit”, that has always been full blown alcoholism.
1 Like
A glass of wine a day is “full-blown alcoholism?” I’m not an expert, but that doesn’t seem to be a reasonable yardstick.
14 Likes
As a full blown alcoholic in recovery for 18 years, I can confidently say that that’s bullshit.
For the record, alcoholism is really defined by the inability to control the drinking. Someone who has 2 drinks a day every day could be an alcoholic, but they also might not be. Someone who only drinks every other weekend, but gets hammered every time they drink could be an alcoholic, but they also might not be. The defining characteristic is not the amount consumed or the frequency, but whether or not someone can stop drinking if they decide to.
23 Likes
Ah! But wait…
Well, that’s somewhat of a relief… this calls for celebration! 
Let’s…hey, wait…
(Damn it)
2 Likes
well, i reject your reality and substitute my own.
4 Likes
4 Likes
I wish science could make some more definite proclamations about this one. I’ve been alcohol-free the vast majority of my life but have very gradually been exploring it and learning to appreciate an entire aspect of culture that has a lot of flavors and facets to enjoy. I’m even thinking of making a habit of trying a new cocktail once a week, but I’ll give it up if it turns out to be a significant health risk, just like I wouldn’t smoke a pipe once a week even if nicotine addiction weren’t a factor. For me, there’s an absolutely massive gulf between “no amount of alcohol is safe” and “two drinks a day isn’t safe”.
6 Likes
Larger protective associations with immortality?
1 Like
