Alcohol consumption is associated with a variety of short- and long-term health risks, including motor vehicle crashes, violence, sexual risk behaviors, high blood pressure, and various cancers (e.g., breast cancer). 1
The risk of these harms increases with the amount of alcohol you drink. For some conditions, like some cancers, the risk increases even at very low levels of alcohol consumption (less than 1 drink). 2,3
To reduce the risk of alcohol-related harms, the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans external icon recommends that adults of legal drinking age can choose not to drink, or to drink in moderation by limiting intake to 2 drinks or less in a day for men or 1 drink or less in a day for women , on days when alcohol is consumed. 4 The Guidelines also do not recommend that individuals who do not drink alcohol start drinking for any reason and that if adults of legal drinking age choose to drink alcoholic beverages, drinking less is better for health than drinking more. 4
recommends that adults of legal drinking age can choose not to drink, or to drink in moderation by limiting intake to , on days when alcohol is consumed. The Guidelines also do not recommend that individuals who do not drink alcohol start drinking for any reason and that if adults of legal drinking age choose to drink alcoholic beverages, drinking less is better for health than drinking more. Two in three adult drinkers report drinking above moderate levels at least once a month.5
People Who Shouldn’t Drink At All
The Guidelines note that some people should not drink alcohol at all, such as:
If they are pregnant or might be pregnant.
If they are under the legal age for drinking.
If they have certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications that can interact with alcohol.
If they are recovering from an alcohol use disorder or if they are unable to control the amount they drink.4
The Guidelines also note that not drinking alcohol also is the safest option for women who are lactating. Generally, moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages by a woman who is lactating (up to 1 standard drink in a day) is not known to be harmful to the infant, especially if the woman waits at least 2 hours after a single drink before nursing or expressing breast milk. Women considering consuming alcohol during lactation should talk to their healthcare provider.4 Learn more about breastfeeding and alcohol use.