Are Your Holiday Cocktails Putting You at Risk?
The holiday season is often synonymous with celebrations, parties, and indulgence — and for many, that means drinking alcohol. But while festive cheer flows, how much do we really know about the risks lurking in those glasses of holiday spirits?
A Grim Health Toll
Alcohol's effects extend beyond the occasional hangover. Drinking alcohol, especially in excess, affects nearly every organ in the body. Long-term use contributes to liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatitis. Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, putting it in the same category as tobacco. It's linked to breast, liver, and colorectal cancers — and even light drinking raises your risk. The WHO reports that half of all alcohol-related cancers in Europe are caused by "moderate" drinking.
But the damage doesn't stop there. Alcohol also contributes to cardiovascular issues like hypertension and heart disease. A study of over 370,000 people found that even light drinking slightly increased the risk of heart problems, with risks escalating dramatically with heavier consumption.
A Dangerous Habit
Alcohol-related deaths in the U.S. have reached alarming levels. The CDC reports that excessive drinking contributed to 178,000 deaths annually in 2020 and 2021 — a staggering 29% increase compared to four years earlier. Of these, 117,000 were linked to chronic conditions from long-term alcohol use, while 61,000 were tied to immediate effects such as car accidents and suicides.
The pandemic also played a role in rising consumption, with alcohol sales up 3% in 2020. Studies show that 25% of people drank more to cope with stress and isolation.
Women Face Greater Risks
Cocktails hit women harder — literally. Due to biological differences, women metabolize alcohol more slowly, making them more vulnerable to liver damage, cancer, and heart problems. Between 1999 and 2020, alcohol-related deaths among women more than doubled, rising from 4.8 to 12 per 100,000.
Experts point to cultural factors, including the rise of "wine moms" and alcohol marketing targeting women, as contributors to these trends. "We've seen significant increases in alcohol use among women, particularly during the pandemic," Dr. Adam Scioli of Caron Treatment Centers told Fox News.
The Red Wine Myth
Think red wine is "healthy" because of its antioxidants? Not so fast. You'd need to drink hundreds of glasses to match the resveratrol in one supplement pill, according to Dr. Corey Lyon of UCHealth. And those old studies claiming light drinking is good for your heart? They've been debunked. Even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of hypertension and coronary artery disease.
Know Your Limits
How much is too much? The National Institutes of Health considers more than 14 drinks a week for men or seven for women and older adults to be "at-risk" drinking. Going beyond these limits increases the likelihood of chronic diseases like liver damage and cancer.
Doctors urge moderation, especially during the holidays. "If someone is drinking two or three drinks every night, it's time to investigate why," Dr. Lyon said, according to UC Health.
The holiday season may be all about cheers, but excessive drinking can quickly turn festive fun into a sobering reality. With alcohol-related deaths on the rise, knowing the risks is key to keeping the spirit bright—and your health intact — long after the ball drops.
References: Alcohol deaths have more than doubled in recent years, especially among women | No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health | Alcohol Use and Your Health | The truth about drinking alcohol. Is it healthy?
