Is There a "Healthy" Way to Drink?
In 1942, Finland launched a campaign to keep the Red Army at bay: Raitis tammikuu, or "Sober January." The month-long sobriety challenge was meant to encourage Finns to lay off the bottle while also conserving scarce wartime resources. Now, Dry January has become a global phenomenon, with many people using the month as an opportunity to reset their relationship with alcohol.
Alcohol has taken center stage in 2025 after the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory calling for warning labels highlighting the risk of cancer in drinking boozy beverages earlier this month. According to the advisory, alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States.
A Research Smorgasbord
The connection between cancer and alcohol may come as news to the general public, but it’s not for scientists and clinicians, said Dr. Mack Mitchell, a gastroenterologist and professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. "There’s a large background of information on alcohol and health that’s accumulated over the last 50 years," he said. "The issue about cancer began to be recognized back in the 1980s, and the first thing that came up was a small but real association between drinking and breast cancer in women. I think there’s no question that this has been confirmed many, many times."
Mileage May Vary
The current U.S. guidelines for alcohol consumption is two drinks a day or less for men and one drink a day or less for women. However, even with these guidelines, alcoholic beverages don’t have explicit labeling informing consumers of how their drink compares to the standard. "I’ve done research where I’ve given people cans of alcohol products like a 14% 23 and a half-ounce Four Loko. People will guess that it has two or three standard drinks but it’s really closer to a six-pack of beer in a single can," said Matthew Rossheim, associate professor of health administration and health policy at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth.
Conclusion
With the new alcohol and cancer advisory, it’s clear that the relationship between drinking and health is complex. While some studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may have positive health benefits, others have raised concerns about the methodology of these studies. What’s certain is that the risk of cancer is a serious consideration for anyone who drinks.
FAQs
- Is there a "healthy" way to drink?
- While there is no safe amount of alcohol, it’s best to stay within the standard guidelines and have a conversation with your healthcare provider to determine what an acceptable amount looks like for you.
- Should I cut alcohol out of my life entirely?
- It’s best to evaluate your relationship with alcohol and why you’re drinking. If you don’t make it through Dry January, you might want to rethink your relationship with alcohol.
- Are there any health benefits to moderate drinking?
- While some studies suggest that moderate drinking may have positive health benefits, the methodology of these studies has been called into question. Additionally, socioeconomic status plays a major role in determining the health benefits of alcohol.
- Can I still enjoy my favorite drinks?
- Yes, but be aware of the ingredients and the standard drink amount. Consider the risk of cancer and other negative health consequences when making your choices.
