Alcohol: drinking little and often vs. drinking a lot at once... which is worse for health?

Many people make plans to drink on Friday night. Drinking alcohol is not good for health regardless of how you do it. But which is more dangerous: drinking a little often or drinking a lot at once?

◇ Drinking little and often is more dangerous than drinking a lot at once because it is worse for the liver and heart. When you drink alcohol, fat accumulates in liver cells, increasing the risk of fatty liver disease. The liver performs a self-cleaning process on a weekly cycle, but frequent drinking impairs this function. The risk of developing atrial fibrillation also increases. Atrial fibrillation is an arrhythmia disease where the heart contracts irregularly, raising the risk of stroke, heart failure, and death. In fact, a study at Korea University Anam Hospital found that people who drink alcohol daily have a 43% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation compared to those who drink twice a week.

Even drinking alcohol frequently, even in small amounts, can lead to habitual drinking and increase the risk of alcohol addiction. When in a state of alcohol addiction, symptoms such as ▲tolerance ▲withdrawal ▲obsession ▲compulsive use (continuing to drink despite problems and aftereffects, unable to stop drinking by willpower) may appear. Additionally, health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and liver disease can occur.

◇If you can't quit drinking... set limits on alcohol consumption and frequency The best way is to quit drinking altogether. If you absolutely cannot stop, you should set a limit on the amount and frequency of alcohol intake and make an effort not to exceed it. It's also better to avoid drinking alone. According to a study by the University of Alaska, drinking alone doubles the risk of experiencing alcohol use disorder compared to drinking with others. If it is difficult to abstain from alcohol on your own, it is advisable to visit a hospital to assess your health, receive psychiatric treatment, or seek help from alcohol counseling centers.

<Source: Health Chosun>