A New Study Reveals the Dangers of Light Drinking: Why Many Are Already Going Alcohol-Free

Even for those who don’t drink daily, an occasional glass of wine or a cocktail during an evening out with friends can still seriously impact your health, according to researchers. Keep scrolling to learn about alcohol consumption dangers and the benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle.

A JAMA Network study details the impacts of light alcohol consumption

 A new study published in the JAMA Network Open Journal detailed the 12-year work of researchers, who tracked the drinking habits of 135,103 adults aged 60 and older. The doctors – including researchers Rosario Ortolá, MD, PhD and Mercedes Sotos-Prieto – specifically looked at the subjects’ alcohol consumption, as well as their socioeconomic status and any health issues. 

The study results indicated that there was no reduction in deaths linked to heart disease for those who were considered light or moderate drinkers. Plus, light drinking was tied to more cancer deaths among older adults, especially those with other health problems or living in a lower-income community. 

“We did not find evidence of a beneficial association between low drinking and [overall] mortality,” commented lead study author Dr. Ortolá to The New York Times. 

One exception? The study found that sticking to wine helped to moderate the risk, especially cancer deaths. Drinking only with meals also appeared to not impact the overall health of people. 

The takeaway: Even light drinking, in most cases, can be harmful to the overall physical wellbeing of adults. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) currently defines a light drinker as someone who has three drinks or less per week but has consumed at least 12 in the past year. 

Why are adults going alcohol-free? 

Though this latest news about the risks of alcohol consumption may cause many to re-think their drinking habit, there’s been evidence to suggest that plenty of adults have already considered making lifestyle adjustments. 

In fact, a 2023 survey from NCSolutions of 1,000 Americans 21 years or older found that 41 percent of people planned to drink less alcohol in 2024. Some generations cited this move towards a nonalcoholic habit was due to a desire to improve physical health and make a lifestyle change. Boosting mental health and losing weight were also shared as reasons for giving up drinking.  (Want a drink that does help you lose weight? Learn how Liquid IV can help). 

Dubbed “sober curious,” this movement has people across all ages severely cutting down on drinking or ditching alcohol altogether due to health risks. Another survey from Civic Science reports that 56 percent of those who said they were very curious about a sober lifestyle had made or purchased a mocktail within the last 30 days of when the data was collected.  (Looking for mocktail ideas? Try these 3 viral recipes!) 

Everything from mocktails to nonalcoholic wine has taken the place of traditional drinks in many households, and the data for those markets only continues to reflect the change. Non-alcoholic beer sales, for example, were soaring and experiencing explosive growth last year, according to The Wall Street Journal.

How does alcohol impact the body? 

The short-term and long-term effects of drinking may have swayed many to reduce their alcohol intake. Doctors have even taken notice of such concerns being voiced by patients. “I’m definitely seeing a trend of people cutting back on alcohol,” said Dr. Bradley Horne to Atrium Health. 

Wondering what benefits may come from a sober lifestyle? While the JAMA study found that light drinking still considerably contributes negatively to the body, the National Institute On Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) also shared some ways that drinking too much can impact your health. 

Besides the better-known disruptions to the pathways responsible for mood, behavior and coordination in the brain, alcohol can impact the heart and result in stroke, high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat. 

The liver and pancreas are also impacted and can become prone to inflammation and swelling. Fibrosis, pancreatitis, steatosis are all potential problems that can arise. 

Considerable amounts of alcohol consumption can even weaken your immune system. The NIAAA also shared that drinking to excess in a short amount of time slows down your body’s ability to fight off any potential infections for the next 24 hours. 

Choosing to eliminate alcohol can not only decrease the risk of the issues mentioned above, but lead to better sleep, weight loss, increased energy and more.  

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