Beer Drinkers: When Does Daily Drinking Make You An Alcoholic?

Alcoholism is a serious issue, and it can be difficult to determine whether one's drinking habits are healthy or harmful. While having a beer or two after work may seem harmless, it's important to understand the potential risks associated with regular alcohol consumption. Beer is often seen as a more casual drink choice, and its low alcohol by volume (ABV) makes it easily accessible. However, drinking beer every day can have negative consequences for both your immediate and long-term health. So, is having a beer or two every day considered alcoholic behaviour?

Beer's low alcohol by volume (ABV)

Drinking a small amount of alcohol each day does not necessarily make someone an alcoholic. However, drinking every day may indicate a progression in one's alcohol consumption and could lead to increased health risks.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, drinking is considered to be in the moderate or low-risk range for women at no more than three drinks in any one day and no more than seven drinks per week. For men, it is no more than four drinks a day and no more than 14 drinks per week.

In the United States, one "standard" drink has about 14 grams of pure alcohol. This is generally the amount in 12 ounces of regular beer, which is usually 5% alcohol.

Low-alcohol beer, also known as light beer, non-alcoholic beer, small beer, small ale, or near-beer, contains little to no alcohol by volume. It aims to reproduce the taste of beer while eliminating or reducing the intoxicating effects, carbohydrates, and calories of regular alcoholic brews.

Low-alcohol beers can be made in two ways: some are brewed using special yeasts and low-sugar malt to produce very little alcohol, while others have the alcohol removed.

• Brewdog Nanny State hoppy ale 0.5% ABV
• Beavertown Lazer Crush IPA 0.3% ABV
• Bristol Beer Factory Clearhead IPA 0.5% ABV
• Adnams Ghost Ship pale ale 0.5% ABV
• Erdinger Alkoholfrei wheat beer 0.5% ABV

Beer's potential health benefits

Beer has been consumed by people for thousands of years and is one of the oldest beverages in the world. While beer is often viewed as nutritionally deficient, it does contain some vitamins and minerals, and moderate consumption may have some health benefits. However, heavy drinking negates these benefits and can lead to serious health issues. Here are some of beer's potential health benefits:

Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Several studies suggest that consuming one to two beers a day may help lower the risk of heart disease. Beer may be as effective at improving general heart health as wine at comparable alcohol levels. Research also shows that men who have suffered a heart attack and drank beer moderately were 42% less likely to die of heart disease.

Improved Blood Sugar Levels

Drinking light amounts of alcohol may help reduce the risk of developing diabetes. One study showed that one to two alcoholic drinks a day could lower the risk of developing diabetes by as much as 50%. This effect is more pronounced with low-sugar beers.

Increased Bone Strength

Early research suggests that moderate amounts of beer may help strengthen bones for men and postmenopausal women. This may be due to the presence of silicon, an essential mineral for bone formation.

Reduced Risk of Dementia

Light to moderate beer intake has been associated with a reduced risk of dementia. However, heavy drinking can increase the risk.

Improved Dental Health

A study published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology found that beer can prevent the formation and growth of bacteria on teeth, thus reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Reduced Inflammation

Hops, an essential ingredient in beer, have anti-inflammatory properties. A study published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research found that the consumption of hops in beer form interfered with inflammation-causing compounds.

Increased Life Expectancy

Moderate drinking has been linked to a longer life span. A study by a psychologist at the University of Texas found that people who drink moderately tend to live longer than those who don't. However, heavy drinking can negatively impact health and reduce life expectancy.

Defining excessive drinking

Excessive drinking is a broad term that encompasses binge drinking and heavy drinking. Binge drinking is the most common form of excessive drinking, defined as consuming enough alcohol to raise one's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher. This typically corresponds to men consuming five or more drinks and women consuming four or more drinks in about two hours. Binge drinking contributes significantly to the economic and social costs of excessive drinking, leading to various harmful outcomes, including injuries, violence, unintended pregnancies, and health issues such as liver disease, stroke, and mental health problems.

Heavy drinking, another form of excessive drinking, is defined by higher quantities and frequency of alcohol consumption. For men, it involves consuming five or more drinks on any day or 15 or more per week, while for women, it is defined as consuming four or more drinks on any day or eight or more drinks per week. This type of drinking increases the risk of alcohol-related problems and is considered "at-risk" drinking, as it elevates the likelihood of developing health issues and alcohol use disorders.

Excessive drinking can have detrimental effects on both individuals and society. It is associated with a range of negative consequences, including health problems, social and family issues, and economic costs. These costs include medical expenses, lost productivity, and criminal justice expenses. Excessive drinking can also lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD), characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol consumption despite adverse consequences. AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe, and individuals with this disorder are vulnerable to relapse due to lasting changes in the brain caused by alcohol misuse.

It is important to note that drinking in moderation is generally not a cause for concern. According to guidelines, moderate drinking for men is defined as consuming no more than two drinks per day, while for women, it is defined as consuming no more than one drink per day. However, drinking alcohol in any quantity during pregnancy or while operating machinery is strongly discouraged.

Short and long-term health risks

Drinking beer every day can have several short- and long-term health risks. Firstly, it is important to note that drinking alcohol, including beer, in moderation is generally not a cause for concern. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, drinking is considered moderate or low-risk for women at no more than three drinks in a day and no more than seven drinks per week. For men, it is no more than four drinks a day and no more than 14 drinks per week. However, drinking more than these recommended limits puts one in the category of "at-risk" drinking, leading to a higher risk of negative health consequences.

Short-term health risks

Drinking beer, especially in large amounts, can cause several short-term health issues. Firstly, it can affect the brain, slowing down reflexes and impairing balance, memory, and sleep. Alcohol can also irritate the digestive system, causing abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Additionally, alcohol consumption can result in dehydration, as it disrupts hormones that affect kidney function. Furthermore, drinking beer before bedtime can impair sleep quality, even when consumed in light amounts.

Long-term health risks

Long-term, regular beer consumption can lead to several serious health issues. Firstly, it can cause liver damage, including inflammation (alcoholic hepatitis) and scarring (cirrhosis), which can be life-threatening. Secondly, it increases the risk of stroke, cardiomyopathy, and high blood pressure. Thirdly, excessive drinking is linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including mouth, throat, esophageal, liver, and breast cancer. Lastly, heavy and binge drinking increase the risk of early death, alcohol dependence, depression, and weight gain.

Social and personal consequences

Drinking a single can of beer every day is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, when drinking becomes a daily activity, it may represent a progression in consumption and can lead to increased health and social risks. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) considers drinking more than 14 drinks per week for men and more than 7 drinks per week for women as "heavy" or "at-risk" drinking. This puts individuals in the category of "at-risk" drinking, which means they are more susceptible to negative consequences related to alcohol use, including social and personal problems. Here are some potential social and personal consequences of drinking beer every day:

Social Consequences:

• Impact on work performance and productivity — Alcohol dependence and drinking problems are linked to increased sick leave and absenteeism, which can affect work performance and productivity. This can result in significant costs for employees, employers, and social security systems. Drinking can also increase the risk of workplace accidents, with up to 25% of workplace accidents in Great Britain possibly linked to alcohol.
• Unemployment — Heavy drinking or alcohol abuse may contribute to unemployment, and unemployment itself may lead to increased drinking.
• Financial problems — Excessive spending on alcohol can lead to financial difficulties. Additionally, heavy drinkers may face decreased wages, lost employment opportunities, increased medical and legal expenses, and reduced eligibility for loans.
• Limited career opportunities — A conviction for an alcohol-related offence can limit career prospects and result in legal problems.
• Social relationships — Drinking too much can lead to losing friends due to drunk behaviour and a limited social circle due to constant socialising with other heavy drinkers.
• Family relationships — Alcohol consumption can impair an individual's performance as a parent and partner, affecting their contribution to the functioning of the household. It can also increase the risk of domestic violence and child abuse, impacting the social, psychological, and economic environment of the family.
• Violence and antisocial behaviour — Alcohol lowers inhibitions and can lead to aggressive behaviour, including violence, assault, and disorderly conduct. This can have legal consequences and result in jail time or community service.
• Unsafe sex — Alcohol can increase the likelihood of unprotected sexual intercourse, leading to unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Personal Consequences:

• Health risks — Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of liver disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, memory issues, and several types of cancer, including head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, and breast cancer.
• Immune system weakness — Chronic drinking weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis.
• Mental health issues — Alcohol can interfere with the brain's communication pathways, affecting mood, behaviour, and cognitive abilities. It can also contribute to mental health problems within families, such as anxiety, fear, and depression.
• Accidents and injuries — Drinking impairs coordination and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries, including falls, road trauma, and other alcohol-related traumas.
• Alcohol poisoning — Consuming large amounts of alcohol, especially over a short period, can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening.

Frequently asked questions