Are you having one drink too many?

It is confusing out there. We all know the health and negative societal effects of alcoholism, but what about social drinking? Can that glass or two of wine with dinner effect your health? 

The answer is unfortunately, yes. According to recent studies published by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation in Australia, there is a link between alcohol consumption and cancer.

The evidence is strong and consistent. Alcohol use is estimated to have caused 740,000 cases of cancers globally in 2020 alone. Alcohol use can cause cancers of the breast, colon, liver, esophagus, larynx, rectum and oropharynx.

For women breast cancer was the most common cancer and for men it was bowel cancer. Unfortunately, these cancers were linked to even low or moderate levels of consumption. In the 1990’s and again in 2016 a study was done that showed that light drinking could safeguard some people from getting heart disease, however new studies have shown that the potential risks of developing cancer and other disease far outweigh any potential benefit. 

The bottom line is every alcoholic drink increases your risk of cancer.  How alcohol affects each person’s health is complex and a lot depends on genetics, lifestyle and diet. 

Many of us enjoy a few drinks to help us relax, be more outgoing, to party, and to ramp up sexual desire and attraction as alcohol use lowers our inhibitions.  Bottom line is we need to find new ways to achieve these desired outcomes. Have you thought about yoga, mindfulness, sex toys, sexy lingerie, scented candles and massage oils?  All of these can help you relax more and lower your inhibitions. They can bring you sensual pleasure without dulling sexual response, which high levels of alcohol use does.

Another way to potentially reduce your risk is to cut back on the amount of alcohol consumed by enjoying your drink heavy on the rocks! Think wine spritzer, think diluting the alcohol to last longer. You can also try having one glass of alcohol and the next a glass of flavored club soda. Try drinking beer instead of spirits, and light beer is a better choice than full strength beer. Alcoholic Cider is also a better choice.

 It may sound silly but always use the smallest glass in your bar. Less is more when it comes to reducing alcohol consumption and reducing your risk of developing cancer.