Beer Overload: When Does It Become Too Much?

Drinking too much beer can have serious health consequences. While moderate drinking was once thought to have health benefits, newer studies show that even this level of consumption increases the risk of stroke, cancer, and other acute and chronic health issues. Excessive drinking is linked to a higher risk of developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD) or addiction, and can lead to irreversible liver damage, cancer, nerve damage, and other serious health issues. Binge drinking, defined as consuming a certain number of drinks within a two-hour period, can cause severe short-term reactions in the body, including dehydration, loss of motor skills, and impaired judgment. Heavy drinking, which is measured over a week, is also linked to a higher risk of AUD and other adverse health outcomes. To minimise health risks, men should not exceed 14 drinks per week, and women should not exceed 7 drinks per week.

Binge drinking

The short-term effects of binge drinking include poor motor control, slower reaction times, and a shorter attention span. It can also lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. Additionally, binge drinking increases the risk of unsafe sexual behaviour, unintentional pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections. The impairments caused by binge drinking also increase the likelihood of accidents, such as falls, burns, and car crashes.

The long-term effects of binge drinking are equally concerning. It can cause mental health problems, loss of brain volume in young people, a weakened immune system, and an increased risk of several types of cancer, including head and neck, esophageal, liver, breast, and colorectal cancers. Research has also linked binge drinking to alcohol use disorder, with those who engage in binge drinking during their teenage years being three times more likely to develop the disorder.

To prevent binge drinking, it is recommended to limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. It is also important to consume alcohol with food and to alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones, preferably water. Additionally, it is crucial to plan ahead when drinking, such as by drinking with trusted companions and arranging safe transportation.

Heavy drinking

• For men: consuming five or more drinks on any day or 15 or more per week
• For women: consuming four or more drinks on any day or eight or more drinks per week

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines heavy alcohol use as binge drinking on five or more days in the past month. Binge drinking, in turn, is defined as consuming a certain number of drinks within a couple of hours.

According to the US Dietary Guidelines, to keep health risks from alcohol at a low level, men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 UK units (about 10 US standard drinks) a week on a regular basis.

Alcohol use disorder

Drinking alcohol can be enjoyable for many, but it is important to understand the risks associated with it. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to several health issues, including liver disease, alcohol use disorder (AUD), and social problems such as relationship issues. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterised by a person's impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD is considered a brain disorder and can range from mild to severe. Lasting changes in the brain caused by alcohol misuse perpetuate AUD and make individuals vulnerable to relapse.

The risk factors for developing AUD include drinking at an early age, with those who start drinking before the age of 15 being more than three times as likely to develop AUD. Genetics and family history also play a significant role, with hereditability accounting for approximately 60% of the risk. Mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, and ADHD are also associated with an increased risk of AUD.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that adults of legal drinking age limit their consumption to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. Binge drinking, which is consuming five or more drinks for men or four or more drinks for women within a few hours, can lead to severe health issues. Heavy drinking, which is defined as consuming eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men, can lead to long-term health complications.

It is important to note that there is no safe drinking level, and even low-risk drinking can increase the risk of certain types of cancer and damage to the nervous system. The effects of alcohol on an individual's health depend on how much they drink, with the risks increasing as consumption increases.

Short and long-term health risks

Alcohol is a drug that can damage your body, especially if you drink heavily every day or binge drink. Even small amounts of alcohol are linked to the development of certain diseases, including numerous cancers. Alcohol affects your body in many ways, and the effects can be immediate or accumulate over time, significantly impacting your physical and mental health and quality of life.

Short-term health risks

The short-term effects of drinking too much alcohol can include:

• Interpersonal conflict
• Altered behaviour, including risky or violent behaviour
• Hangover symptoms such as trembling, increased blood pressure, increased sensitivity to light and sound, dizziness, anxiety, depression, irritability, poor sleep, etc.
• Accidents and injuries, including motor vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, and burns
• Alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal

Long-term health risks

Long-term alcohol consumption contributes to more than 200 different types of diseases and injuries. Some of the most common alcohol-related harms include:

• Road and other accidents
• Domestic and public violence
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancers, including mouth, throat, breast, oesophagus, liver, colorectum, and oral cavity
• Nutrition-related conditions, such as folate deficiency and malnutrition
• Overweight and obesity
• Mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and interference with antidepressant medication
• Alcohol tolerance, dependence, or addiction
• Long-term cognitive impairment
• Self-harm and suicide

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in 2016, 5.3% of all deaths globally were caused by alcohol consumption. The risk of alcohol-related harm increases with the amount consumed, and there is no safe drinking level.

Social and professional consequences

Excessive alcohol consumption can have serious social and professional consequences. Here are some key points to consider:

Social Consequences:

• Injury and Health Risksinjuries, including falls, road trauma, and assault. Alcohol poisoning is also a significant risk, which can affect breathing, heart rate, and gag reflex, potentially leading to coma and death.
• Criminal Behaviour: Alcohol lowers inhibitions and can lead to behaviour that one would not typically exhibit while sober. This includes assault, sexual assault, property damage, disorderly conduct, and driving under the influence. Such incidents can result in police involvement and legal repercussions.
• Relationship Issues: Alcohol-related incidents and legal problems can strain relationships and cause friction between family members. They can also lead to social ostracism, bullying, and loss of friends.
• Financial Problems: Excessive spending on alcohol can result in financial difficulties.
• Limited Social Circle: Constantly socialising with other heavy drinkers can result in a limited group of friends.
• Sexual Performance: Heavy drinking can negatively impact sexual performance.
• Impact on Teenagers: Teenagers of parents with alcohol problems are more likely to drink frequently and heavily, often as a coping mechanism.

Professional Consequences:

• Workplace Issues: Hangovers and alcohol-related injuries can lead to time off work, poor work performance, and workplace accidents, endangering one's job.
• Career Opportunities: A conviction for an alcohol-related offence can limit career opportunities and result in employment challenges in certain industries.
• Loss of Employment: Legal problems, frequent absences, and an inability to fulfil work duties (e.g., due to a suspended driver's license) may lead to job loss.

Frequently asked questions