Alcohol is the most popular drug in the world.
The 2014 Global Drug Survey found that more than 90% of respondents had consumed alcohol in the last year. A similar study in the US found that the top 40% of Americans averaged at least two drinks a week— with the top 10% averaging a whopping 73.85 drinks in the same period.
Many people seem to assume that alcohol is a fairly healthy, safe habit as long as it's done in moderation. People even point to studies that suggest small benefits to drinking red wine.
Here's what we actually know about the health risks of alcohol to a typical, not-addicted drinker. Keep in mind: No one study is ever definitive, but when large groups of studies align, we should take their results seriously.
Even moderate alcohol use can wreck your sleep, risking all the health consequences of fatigue and exhaustion.
A review of available research found that drinking negatively affects appetite and metabolism, putting people at risk of weight gain and obesity.
Even light drinking is associated with an increased risk of colorectal, breast, larynx, liver, esophagus, oral-cavity, and pharynx cancers.
Source: Annals of Oncology
Even people who drink "lower than recommended limits" have an increased risk of dying early for any reason.