The Daily

How Bad Is Drinking for You, Really?

83 snips
Jul 5, 2024
Susan Dominus, a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, navigates our complex connection with alcohol, especially during festive times. She debunks the myth of moderate drinking's health benefits, revealing no advantages at any level. Dominus discusses evolving societal views on alcohol, balancing enjoyment against health risks, particularly cancer. Personal anecdotes highlight the struggle to moderate drinking habits while considering its implications on life expectancy, prompting a re-evaluation of our relationship with alcohol.
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ANECDOTE

Friend quits drinking

  • Susan Dominus's friend stopped drinking due to alarming reports about alcohol's dangers.
  • She shifted from moderate drinking to near abstinence, highlighting the impact of such reports.
INSIGHT

Red Wine Health Benefits

  • Research in the 90s suggested red wine had heart health benefits, boosting sales significantly.
  • This influenced drinking habits, with some feeling guilty for not drinking enough red wine.
INSIGHT

Sick quitters

  • Researcher Kay Middleton Fillmore questioned studies categorizing abstainers, including sick former drinkers.
  • This inclusion skewed data, creating an illusion of moderate alcohol's benefits.
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