Which of the following is the recommendation on alcohol drinking?

December 22, 2025 •

5 min read

In 2019, alcohol consumption was responsible for 2.6 million deaths worldwide, according to the WHO. This article clarifies which of the following is the recommendation on alcohol drinking, detailing current guidelines from major health organizations and explaining the associated health risks.

Quick Summary

Health organizations worldwide offer varying advice on alcohol, but the general trend points toward drinking less. Many authorities emphasize that no level of alcohol consumption is entirely risk-free, especially concerning cancer. Specific moderate drinking limits for men and women are often cited, but abstinence is recommended for certain groups. The definition of a standard drink is critical for understanding guidelines.

Key Points

No Safe Amount: The World Health Organization has stated there is no safe level of alcohol consumption due to its carcinogenic properties.
Moderate vs. Heavy: U.S. guidelines define moderate drinking as up to 1 drink per day for women and 2 for men, on days when drinking occurs. Heavy drinking is exceeding these weekly or daily limits.
Standard Drink Sizes: It is important to know what constitutes a standard drink (e.g., 12 oz of regular beer, 5 oz of wine) as sizes vary.
Abstinence for Some: Groups like pregnant women, those under 21, and individuals on certain medications should avoid alcohol completely.
Binge Drinking Risks: Binge drinking (4+ drinks for women, 5+ for men on a single occasion) significantly increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and other health issues.
Cumulative Health Risks: All alcohol consumption, regardless of the amount, increases the risk for certain cancers. Heavier drinking over time is linked to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and mental health issues.
Drinking Less is Better: For those who choose to drink, minimizing intake and having alcohol-free days is the best strategy to lower health risks.

The evolving consensus on alcohol consumption

Recommendations regarding alcohol consumption have evolved significantly over the years, as new evidence reveals the full extent of alcohol's impact on human health. For decades, some research suggested potential benefits from light to moderate drinking, particularly for cardiovascular health. However, recent studies and official statements from global bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) have shifted the focus toward a more cautious approach, emphasizing that no amount of alcohol can be considered entirely safe. The primary message is that to minimize health risks, drinking less is better than drinking more.

The WHO's latest stance: No safe level of alcohol

In January 2023, the WHO released a statement clarifying its position on alcohol consumption. It asserts that when it comes to alcohol, no amount is safe for health, particularly due to its carcinogenic properties. The WHO explains that alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance, and it has long been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, alongside asbestos and tobacco. This risk begins with the very first drop, and any potential protective effects for cardiovascular diseases are outweighed by the increased cancer risk, according to new data. The WHO highlights that this cancer risk affects all types of alcoholic beverages, not just spirits, and disproportionately impacts more vulnerable populations.

U.S. guidelines: Moderate drinking for healthy adults

In contrast to the WHO's 'no safe level' stance, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other U.S. health bodies promote the concept of moderate drinking for healthy adults of legal drinking age. According to the CDC, moderate drinking means consuming 2 drinks or less in a day for men and 1 drink or less in a day for women, on days when alcohol is consumed. This guideline is intended to reduce health risks for people who choose to drink but is not an encouragement to start drinking for those who don't. The CDC defines binge drinking as 5 or more drinks on one occasion for men and 4 or more drinks for women, a pattern associated with much higher health risks.

International recommendations: A comparative look

Drinking guidelines vary significantly between countries. Here's a comparison of recommendations from different health bodies:


Organization	Weekly Limit	Single Occasion Limit	Binge Drinking Definition	Notes
U.S. CDC	Max 14 drinks for men; Max 7 for women	Max 2 drinks for men; Max 1 for women	5+ drinks (men); 4+ drinks (women)	Recommends drinking less is better for health.
UK Drinkaware	Max 14 units for both men and women	Moderate limits advised to avoid short-term risks	Avoid binge drinking	Spread intake over 3+ days, with several drink-free days.
Australian NHMRC	Max 10 standard drinks for both men and women	Max 4 standard drinks	No specific weekly binge limit mentioned	The less you drink, the lower your risk of harm from alcohol.
HSE Ireland	Max 17 standard drinks for men; Max 11 for women	Max 6 standard drinks	Consuming weekly limit in 1 or 2 sessions is bingeing	Have at least 2-3 alcohol-free days per week.

Note: The definition of a 'standard drink' or 'unit' can differ internationally. For example, a U.S. standard drink contains 14g of pure alcohol, while a UK unit contains 8g.

Comprehensive health risks associated with alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol use, both in the short term (binge drinking) and long term, is linked to a multitude of severe health issues.

Cancer: Alcohol is a known carcinogen linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, breast, liver, and colon. The risk increases with consumption levels.
Liver Disease: Heavy drinking is the leading cause of alcoholic liver disease, including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
Cardiovascular Issues: High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and cardiomyopathy are all associated with excessive alcohol intake.
Mental Health Problems: Alcohol can exacerbate or lead to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Immune System: Alcohol weakens the immune system, increasing vulnerability to illness.
Injury and Accidents: Intoxication significantly raises the risk of accidents, injuries, and violence.

Who should not drink alcohol?

Certain individuals should avoid alcohol completely to prevent severe health consequences. This includes:

Pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant, as alcohol can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
People under the legal drinking age of 21.
Individuals with a diagnosed alcohol use disorder or those who struggle to control their drinking.
Anyone taking medications that interact with alcohol, which can be potentially dangerous.
Individuals with specific medical conditions that are worsened by alcohol, such as liver disease or pancreatitis.
Anyone planning to drive, operate machinery, or participate in other activities requiring skill and attention.

Strategies for managing alcohol intake

For those who do choose to drink, there are several methods to manage consumption and mitigate risk:

Set Clear Limits: Follow established national guidelines regarding weekly and daily limits, and stick to them consistently.
Track Your Intake: Be aware of what constitutes a 'standard drink' and track your consumption to stay within your limits.
Have Drink-Free Days: Incorporate several alcohol-free days into your week to give your body a break and avoid developing a reliance on alcohol.
Pace Yourself: Drink slowly and alternate alcoholic beverages with water or other non-alcoholic drinks to moderate your intake.
Avoid Binge Drinking: Steer clear of heavy, single-occasion drinking, which carries the highest risk of acute harm and long-term health problems.
Eat While Drinking: Consuming food with alcohol slows its absorption and can help manage your intake.

Conclusion: Making informed decisions

So, which of the following is the recommendation on alcohol drinking? The most accurate answer is a nuanced one. For the healthiest option, abstinence is the safest choice, as noted by the WHO and other health bodies worldwide. However, for healthy adults who choose to drink, the prevailing recommendation is moderation—limiting intake to low-risk levels. A standard drink is a measurable unit, but its impact varies based on individual factors like sex, weight, and genetics. Understanding the differences between moderate and binge drinking, recognizing the specific health risks, and identifying those who should abstain completely are all crucial steps toward making informed decisions about alcohol consumption. Ultimately, awareness and moderation are key to reducing the harm caused by alcohol.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Alcohol Use and Your Health

Frequently Asked Questions

In the U.S., one standard drink contains 14 grams of pure alcohol. This is equivalent to a 12-ounce regular beer (5% alcohol), a 5-ounce glass of wine (12% alcohol), or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (40% alcohol).

Moderate drinking is defined by the CDC as up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men. Binge drinking is consuming enough alcohol to bring blood alcohol concentration to 0.08% or higher, typically 4+ drinks for women or 5+ for men on one occasion.

No, health organizations like the CDC strongly recommend that pregnant women or those who might be pregnant do not drink any alcohol. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).

Older studies sometimes suggested a heart benefit from moderate drinking. However, the American Heart Association states that non-drinkers should not start drinking for health reasons, and recent analyses indicate that any potential benefits are outweighed by other health risks, such as an increased risk of cancer.

Certain groups should completely avoid alcohol, including people who are pregnant, individuals under the legal drinking age, those recovering from alcohol use disorder, people on medications that interact with alcohol, and individuals with health conditions worsened by alcohol.

Guidelines vary significantly by country. For instance, the UK advises no more than 14 units per week for both men and women, while the U.S. recommends different daily limits. This variation is often based on different analyses of risk and defining a 'standard drink'.

Yes. The World Health Organization classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, and any amount of consumption, even light or moderate, increases the risk of certain cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer.