Who Should Not Drink Alcohol?
![Reframe App Logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60d10433104bca13abce2c13/6524611f0bc6ca7db5aea21b_logo.webp)
You've heard the old saying, “Everything in moderation,” right? Well, when it comes to alcohol, that adage doesn't always hold true. In some scenarios, health conditions, and lifestyles, even moderation might be too much. We're not just talking about avoiding excess; in many cases, the most mindful way to drink is to not drink at all. It’s all about making informed choices, understanding the impact of alcohol, and becoming the best advocate for our own health.
Alcohol affects us by being absorbed into our bloodstream, where it is transported through our bodies. That warm, fuzzy feeling of intoxication we get from alcohol? It happens when the alcohol-laden blood reaches our brain and starts releasing feel-good chemicals. The lack of coordination and slower response time? That comes from alcohol entering our central nervous system and slowing down our reflexes.
Our blood travels to every corner of our body — as a result, the effects of alcohol are considered systemic. All parts of us work together to help us function, so when we have a hitch in any part of our body, it tends to affect the others. So, what happens when you toss alcohol into the mix as well?
Alcohol impacts every aspect of our physical health. Even in low doses, alcohol wreaks havoc on our stomach, kidneys, bones, teeth, gut, liver, skin, and more. In fact, when it comes to prioritizing our health, there is no “safe” amount of alcohol.
While there are many reasons not to drink if we are concerned about our health, some of us choose to include alcohol as part of our lives, perhaps being mindful to drink responsibly to limit its negative effects. Even for the most mindful drinkers among us, though, some health conditions are particularly dangerous to mix with alcohol. Let’s look at a few common ones and talk about why we shouldn’t drink if they apply to us.
Alcohol is processed through the liver. The average liver can process about one drink per hour, although this is not always the case if liver function is compromised. Not only does alcohol cause liver damage, it also exacerbates existing liver conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. If you have liver failure, avoid alcohol entirely
When we drink alcohol with a liver condition, our liver can’t properly filter the alcohol out of our blood. This causes alcohol to accumulate in our bodies for a longer period, giving it more time to damage our organs.
Alcohol is stressful on the heart. For those of us who already have heart conditions, alcohol adds even more troubles for it to deal with.
When we drink alcohol, our liver shifts focus away from blood sugar regulation and towards alcohol digestion. Diabetes requires careful management of insulin: when our levels become unbalanced due to heavy drinking, we put ourselves at risk of hypoglycemia. The symptoms of hypoglycemia and alcohol intoxication are very similar. The biggest difference? Hypoglycemia does not go away with time alone; in fact, it can be deadly.
Alcohol use can also cause type 2 diabetes. Heavy drinking can trigger acute pancreatitis or exacerbate chronic pancreatitis — major risk factors for diabetes. Likewise, because alcoholic drinks are often high in calories, the more we drink, the greater our risk of becoming overweight, which also increases our risk of type 2 diabetes. Sugary drinks and beer especially contain more carbs, and a high-carb diet is another risk factor for developing diabetes.
Since alcohol is ingested and absorbed through our digestive tract, that’s often the first place it causes problems. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of binge drinking. But what about more serious conditions?
Kidneys are the great filter of our bloodstream, eliminating the toxins that remain in our bodies after the liver has digested them. This means that alcohol puts a big strain on the kidneys, which have to work extra hard to filter alcohol toxins on top of their normal duties.
For people with kidney disease (including kidney stones, kidney infection, and kidney failure), alcohol is particularly dangerous. When the kidneys don’t filter properly, alcohol-related toxins spend more time in our bodies causing damage. In addition, alcohol is a diuretic: it causes us to urinate more, disrupting our body’s fluid balance, which is critical in managing kidney disease.
Alcohol is known to be bad for our mental health. Besides wreaking havoc on our brain chemistry, it beats up our gut microbiome. Some 95% of our serotonin — the natural chemical that creates our sense of wellness — is produced in our gut. A functioning microbiome is essential for healthy serotonin production, and it can help protect against anxiety and depression.
In general, alcohol sends our brains into chemical chaos, which has implications for just about every mental health condition. Likewise, alcohol interacts with many medications used to treat mental health conditions, like antidepressants and antipsychotics. When trying to improve our mental health, quitting alcohol and other substance use is a good place to start.
Choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle may seem extreme, in part because alcohol plays a role in so many situations — social events, office parties, family celebrations, or just quiet evenings at home. Quitting drinking benefits everyone, not just those who fit into any of the categories discussed above. Let’s look at some ways to stay mindful about our consumption and prioritize our own health and safety when considering whether or not to drink.
Deciding to live alcohol-free is an empowering act of radical self-care. Whether or not you fall into one of the categories above, it’s likely that at some point in your life one of these factors will affect you or someone you love. Keep all this in mind the next time you’re choosing to drink, and consider educating others about these special considerations — after all, knowledge is power!
1. Does alcohol make depression worse?
Yes. Alcohol changes how dopamine and serotonin work in our bodies — two neurochemicals essential for regulating mood.
2. Does alcohol make anxiety worse?
Yes. Alcohol also stimulates excitatory chemicals in our brains, causing our anxiety to fire off. If you have anxiety disorder, avoid alcohol.
3. Can I drink alcohol while pregnant?
Absolutely not. While some sources may say it’s okay to have small sips, any amount of alcohol puts your baby at risk for complications and congenital disorders.
4. Does alcohol cause liver failure?
Alcohol use is among the top causes of liver disease in the world. Especially if you have already been diagnosed with liver failure, avoid alcohol.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being.