Just a few drinks increases the risk of dying

A study published today in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research confirms recent studies that even ‘light’ drinking increases the risk of death.  Analysing data from more than 400,000 individuals aged between 18 and 85, researchers found that drinking just 1-2 drinks, 4 or more times per week (figures which fall inside most government guidelines) increases the risk of premature death by 20% compared with drinking 3 times a week or less.

Lead study author Sarah M. Hartz M.D., PhD said, “Relatively few people die in their 20’s so a 20% increase in mortality is small but still significant.  As people age, their risk of death from any cause also increases, so a 20% risk increase at age 75 translates into many more deaths than it does at age 25.” 

NOTE:  This new study follows the recent study published in the Lancet which reviewed data from more than 700 worldwide studies that concluded ‘the safest level of alcohol is none.’