Excessive alcohol use is responsible for 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults every year, according to the CDC. Excessive alcohol consumption has immediate effects that increase risks associated with injuries, motor vehicle crashes and alcohol poisoning. It can also cause serious long-term health problems like liver disease, high blood pressure, stroke, depression and cancer.
In addition to lowering your risk for those short- and long-term impacts, there are multiple health benefits for drinking less. By eliminating or cutting back on alcohol, you may experience:
- Increased energy
- Better sleep quality
- Improved mental health
- Boosted immune system
- Healthier complexion
After weighing the risks and benefits of alcohol, you may be considering reducing your alcohol consumption. If you or a loved one are concerned about alcohol use, talk to a doctor or use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline by calling 800-662-HELP (4357).
Header Photo by Moritz Mentges on Unsplash