The risk of alcohol use For most Americans, moderate consumption of alcohol is not harmful. Moderate alcohol is up to two drinks per day for most men and one drink per day for most women and older adults. Heavy drinking is also associated with increased risk of cancer, liver cirrhosis, heart disease and pancreatitis. And, even moderate consumption of alcohol can cause harm to the drinker and to others. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, her developing child may suffer physical damage, referred to as fetal alcohol syndrome.
Alcoholism is an illness, and as such, can be effectively treated.
For Alcoholism Alcoholism tends to run in families. Children of alcoholics have a two to four times greater risk of developing alcoholism than children of non-alcoholics. Researchers are currently looking for the genes that may influence drinking and the development of alcoholism. Environmental factors that may influence drinking and the development of alcoholism include influence of friends, stress levels, and ease of obtaining alcohol. Other factors, such as social support, may help protect high-risk people from alcohol problems.