This guide is about the effects drinking alcohol can have on your health. We will explore the latest research on how alcohol affects your organ systems or disease risks, and then share some recommendations on how to reduce those risks.

After seeing the research, some people may want to stop drinking entirely. Others people may want to make a tradeoff between their physical health and their social health or enjoyment. Here you will learn what those risks are so you can make an informed decision about how much and when to drink. You will also learn how to to reduce the negative health risks and severity of hangovers if you do decide to drink.


When you have a drink, what is in it? Ethanol is the main ingredient in alcohol, responsible for the feeling of being intoxicated. It is also the cause of many of the health risks associated with alcohol intake.