Whether one chooses complete abstinence or merely curbing their alcohol consumption, the study on drinking less alcohol indicates it can be a boon for brain health.
Recent investigation underscores the significance of drinking less alcohol for individuals grappling with alcohol use disorder
The study, published in the journal Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research, scrutinized the brains of 68 adult participants, aged between 28 and 70, all diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. Findings revealed that those with alcohol use disorder exhibited reduced cortical volume throughout their brains, with the heaviest drinkers experiencing the most substantial diminishment in cortical volume.
Though it’s essential to note that the study’s sample size was relatively small and predominantly comprised U.S. Armed Services veterans, it offers intriguing insights into the often-overlooked adverse effects of heavy drinking.
Dr. April May, a postdoctoral scholar affiliated with the Sierra Pacific VA Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Centers, and Stanford University, served as the lead author. She pointed out that while the most pronounced benefits manifest when individuals abstain entirely from alcohol, the results indicate that transitioning from high-risk to drinking less alcohol can also be advantageous. This challenges the notion that recovery must be an all-or-nothing endeavor.
The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend men limit their daily alcohol intake to two drinks and women to one
In contrast, Canada advises two drinks or fewer per week to avoid alcohol-related health problems, and the Netherlands recommends drinking less alcohol.
Dr. Michael Olla, the medical director at Valley Spring Recovery Center in New Jersey, clarified that light drinking constitutes one to two drinks daily, with moderate drinking at two to three. He emphasized that individuals progress through stages of alcohol use disorder differently, and what might be problematic for one person can differ from another.
The study underscores the well-documented health risks associated with heavy alcohol consumption, including liver damage, chronic diseases, cardiovascular problems, pancreatitis, gastritis, organ damage, and mental health issues. It can also strain relationships, and lead to job loss, financial difficulties, and legal troubles.
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