[Alcohol as medication is no good. More risks than benefits according to a survey of current knowledge].
Moderate drinking has small effects on health. Alcohol-related risks are greatest for young people, and decrease with age. Women are more sensitive than men to the effects of alcohol. Protective effects of moderate drinking are reported for cardiovascular disease, diabetes type 2 and cognitive functioning. However, moderate drinking also involves risks, especially of injuries, violence, foetal damage, certain forms of cancer, liver disease and hypertension. Alcohol consumption should not be recommended for health reasons. Binge drinking, regardless of age, is a medical risk. Health professionals should discuss the pattern of drinking with patients, especially binge drinking, to a larger extent than is usually the case today.
Andréasson
Sven
S
Statens folkhälsoinstitut och Beroendecentrum, Stockholm, Sweden. sven.andreasson@fhi.se
Allebeck
Peter
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology