Beer Drinking: Is Three-A-Night Habit Bad For Health?

Drinking three beers a night is a cause for concern. While it may not be indicative of alcoholism, it is considered heavy or at-risk drinking, which can lead to serious health problems such as liver damage, heart issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Even if a person's job or family life is not affected, the toxic effects of alcohol can cause unseen damage. To assess the extent of any harm caused by drinking three beers a night, it is recommended to take a 30-day break from alcohol and consult a physician for an evaluation.

Health Risks: liver damage, high blood pressure, cancer, etc

Health Risks

Drinking three beers a night can lead to several health risks, including liver damage, high blood pressure, and cancer.

Liver Damage

The liver is a complex and resilient organ, capable of regenerating itself. However, each time the liver filters alcohol, some liver cells die. Prolonged alcohol misuse over many years can reduce the liver's ability to regenerate, resulting in serious and permanent damage. Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) has several stages of severity and symptoms, which may not appear until the liver is severely damaged. ARLD symptoms include jaundice, swelling in the ankles and abdomen, confusion, and vomiting or passing blood. Fatty liver disease, the first stage of ARLD, rarely causes symptoms but is a warning sign of harmful alcohol consumption. The condition is reversible if detected early and the individual stops drinking alcohol. However, severe alcoholic hepatitis, another form of ARLD, is life-threatening and often detected too late. Cirrhosis, a late stage of ARLD, is generally irreversible, but stopping alcohol consumption can prevent further damage and increase life expectancy.

High Blood Pressure

Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to high blood pressure (hypertension), the most common alcohol-related health problem. Drinking alcohol affects the muscles in the blood vessels, causing them to narrow. When the blood vessels narrow, the heart must work harder to pump blood, leading to increased blood pressure. High blood pressure significantly increases the risk of chronic kidney disease and vascular dementia. Binge drinking and long-term heavy drinking contribute to an elevated risk of strokes and heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias).

Cancer

There is a strong scientific consensus that alcohol consumption can cause several types of cancer. The National Toxicology Program of the US Department of Health and Human Services classifies alcohol consumption as a known human carcinogen. The evidence indicates that the more alcohol a person regularly consumes over time, the higher their risk of developing alcohol-associated cancer. Even light drinking and binge drinking are associated with a modestly increased risk of certain cancers. Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption is linked to higher risks of head and neck cancers, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. Additionally, there is accumulating evidence of a link between alcohol consumption and increased risks of melanoma, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

Addiction: is it alcoholism or not?

Alcohol is a drug, and as with any other drug, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with its consumption. While some studies suggest that moderate drinking may have certain benefits, such as improved heart health from drinking red wine, other research disputes this and links moderate drinking to diseases like cancer and an increased risk of stroke.

The threshold for what constitutes "heavy" or "at-risk" drinking is four drinks in one day or 14 per week for men, and three drinks in one day or seven per week for women. Drinking more than these amounts puts one at a higher risk for developing health problems, with about 1 in 4 people who exceed these limits having an alcohol use disorder. Binge drinking is characterised by consuming enough alcohol to reach a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, which for men is five or more "standard" drinks (14 grams of pure alcohol) in 2 hours, and for women, four or more in the same time frame.

However, the distinction between problem drinking and alcohol toxicity is important to note. Problem drinking refers to the harmful effects of alcohol on one's personal or social life, whereas alcohol toxicity refers to the direct toxic effects of alcohol on the body. Even if someone appears to "handle their liquor" without it affecting their job or family life, they may still be suffering from the toxic effects of alcohol, which can take years or decades to manifest. These effects include liver scarring (cirrhosis), anemia, nerve damage, stomach inflammation, decreased heart function, and high blood pressure, among others.

To determine if one's drinking habits are problematic, it is suggested that one tries going sober for a period of time, such as 30 days, and assesses how this makes them feel and what challenges or benefits arise from it. If one finds it difficult to stop drinking or experiences cravings, it may be indicative of a problem.

In summary, while the specific definition of alcoholism may vary, it is clear that regular consumption of three beers per night exceeds recommended guidelines and can lead to negative health consequences. It is important to be mindful of one's drinking habits and to seek professional help if concerned about one's relationship with alcohol.

Social and personal life: does drinking affect relationships?

Alcohol can have a huge impact on the way you interact with others and the quality of your closest relationships. Drinking is often an enjoyable part of many different social activities. However, for many people, it can also be a source of conflict in their relationships. Alcohol has the potential to change a person's personality in significant ways, and when paired with the problems that can arise from excessive alcohol use, drinking can sometimes negatively affect our relationships with the people closest to us.

Alcohol and Intimate Relationships

According to a 2018 study, alcohol had negative effects on both partners in a relationship for different reasons. The study found that women who had partners that drank more experienced more intimacy but also more conflict in their relationships, while men who drank at higher levels had more distrust of their partners. Alcohol can also affect a person's sex life, causing erectile dysfunction, limiting or preventing ejaculation, and causing vaginal dryness in some women due to its dehydrating effects.

Alcohol and Domestic Violence

Alcohol can greatly increase the chance of aggressive behaviour in some people and often plays a role in intimate partner violence. Research from 2019 explored the relationship between alcohol and violence, finding a significant relationship between the two. A 2020 study in Australia cited alcohol as a factor in roughly 24% to 54% of family and domestic violence police reports. Alcohol can negatively impact a relationship to the point of breakup or divorce. A 2013 study found that of the 52 people who participated, over 34 of them (more than 60%) noted that substance use was a factor in their separation.

Alcohol and Children

Drinking alcohol doesn't just affect your relationship with your partner—it can also impact your children's mental health. A 2018 study found that in children with a strong family history of alcohol use disorder, the chance of developing substance use issues was higher. Constant conflict or neglect can severely impact children of parents with alcohol addiction. They may experience loneliness, depression, guilt, anxiety, anger issues, and an inability to trust others.

Signs Alcohol May Be Affecting Your Relationships

• Alcohol is playing a key role in your relationship: If alcohol is at the centre of your romantic relationships, friendships or relationships with family members, this can become damaging over time, whereby you find yourself unable to have a good time together without alcohol.
• You are hiding or being dishonest about your drinking: If you are hiding how much and how often you drink from your partner or loved ones, or pretending to drink less than you actually do, then this can cause trust problems in your relationships.
• Your sex life is less fulfilling: Alcohol can reduce sensation and impact the quality of your communication, leading to a less fulfilling sex life and putting strain on an intimate relationship.
• Your drinking is causing conflict: Alcohol can affect mood and decision-making, and regular arguments about your own or your partner's drinking is a tell-tale sign that alcohol has become a significant factor in your relationship.

Tips for Healthier Drinking and Happier Relationships

• Talk it over: If you're having problems or something is playing on your mind, it's good advice to talk things through when both of you are sober—don't wait until one or both of you has started drinking.
• Commit to cutting down: The UK's Chief Medical Officers recommend not drinking more than 14 units a week; that means about six pints of lager or a bottle and a half of wine.
• Keep track of your drinking: Recording what you drink for a few weeks will help you understand your drinking pattern so that you can decide if you want to make a change.
• Go alcohol-free for a month: Take time off from drinking by having a Dry January or other alcohol-free break. It's a great way to reassess your relationship with alcohol and have some sober fun with your loved ones.
• Ask for help: Ask for help if you feel you need it, or if you're worried about someone else's drinking. Many people struggle with alcohol at some point in their lives and need support to turn things around. Talk to your GP or your local alcohol service.

Short-term effects: insomnia, heartburn, etc

Drinking three beers a night can have several short-term effects on the body. Some of these effects include insomnia, heartburn, and stomach pain. While these symptoms may seem minor, they can impact an individual's daily life and well-being.

Insomnia, or difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, can lead to fatigue, irritability, and decreased concentration during the day. Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest, can cause discomfort and affect an individual's ability to eat or drink certain foods and beverages. Stomach pain can also range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by other gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation.

Additionally, drinking three beers a night can impact an individual's social and personal life. It can affect their relationships, work performance, and overall mental health. Even if a person appears to be functioning well and "handling their liquor," the harmful effects of alcohol may be occurring unnoticed. It is important to be mindful of these short-term effects and to seek medical advice if any concerns arise.

The short-term effects of drinking three beers a night can vary depending on the individual's age, gender, weight, and other health factors. It is essential to monitor any changes in physical or mental health and to be aware of the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption. While moderate drinking may offer some benefits, excessive or long-term consumption can lead to more severe health problems and increase the risk of alcohol use disorder.

To assess whether drinking three beers a night is harmful, it is recommended to try a period of abstinence, such as 30 days sober. This can provide valuable insight into an individual's relationship with alcohol and help determine if drinking has become a problem. Seeking professional help or support groups can also be beneficial in addressing any concerns or making positive changes.

Long-term effects: how will the body be affected in years to come?

Drinking 3 beers a night, every night, for a prolonged period can have serious long-term effects on the body. While a person may not experience any psychological or social harm, they may still be suffering from the toxic effects of alcohol on the body.

The toxic effects of alcohol are related to the amount consumed. Drinking more than two drinks daily for months can cause measurable and sometimes permanent damage to the body. One "drink" is defined as one 12-ounce can of beer, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or one 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof liquor—each containing the same amount of alcohol.

Long-term, heavy drinking can lead to liver scarring (cirrhosis), which can be life-threatening. It can also cause anemia (low blood count), nerve damage, stomach inflammation, decreased heart function, and high blood pressure. These issues may go unnoticed or be attributed to other causes. Additionally, heavy drinking increases the risk of stroke and has been linked to several types of cancer.

The harmful effects of alcohol may take years or even decades to manifest. Therefore, someone who appears to handle their liquor well today may still be at risk of serious health issues in the future. To assess any potential damage, it is recommended to consult a physician for an evaluation, including blood tests such as GGT (liver inflammation) and MCV (toxic effects of alcohol on the blood).

Frequently asked questions