As holiday celebrations peak, alcohol consumption often rises—and so does a long-standing question: how much alcohol, if any, is safe to drink?
The World Health Organization (WHO) takes the clearest stance, saying there is no level of alcohol consumption that can be considered safe. In 2023, average per-capita alcohol consumption across developed economies stood at 8.5 liters of pure alcohol per year, according to OECD data cited by the WHO. “The European region cannot afford the illusion that alcohol consumption is harmless,” said Guido Weiler, WHO director for prevention and health promotion.
A different view from U.S. heart experts
Not all experts agree. A recent study by the American Heart Association (AHA) found that light alcohol consumption does not increase the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, or heart failure. The study suggested that small amounts of alcohol may even reduce the risk of coronary disease.
However, the AHA stresses caution. “If you don’t drink, don’t start,” the organization advises. For those who do drink, moderation is key. The AHA notes that overall evidence does not support clear health benefits for the general population and warns that even one to two drinks per day can raise blood pressure in some individuals. The group does not recommend drinking alcohol for health reasons.
What counts as a ‘standard drink’?
While experts agree that excessive drinking is harmful, they differ on whether a low-risk threshold exists.
Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) advises a weekly limit of no more than 11 standard drinks for women and 17 for men. A standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol—roughly equivalent to a 100 ml glass of wine or half a glass of beer or cider. The HSE also recommends spreading drinks throughout the week, taking two to three alcohol-free days, and avoiding more than six drinks on a single occasion.
Other countries set different limits. Estonia and Poland cap daily intake at 40 grams of alcohol for men and 20 grams for women. Spain’s Health Ministry recommends a more conservative limit: no more than 10 grams per day for women and double that for men. Latvia and Lithuania go further, advising people to avoid alcohol entirely.
No single answer
The wide variation in guidelines highlights the lack of global consensus. While some studies point to limited risks from light drinking, major health organizations emphasize that zero consumption is the safest option. For individuals, experts agree that awareness, moderation, and understanding personal health risks remain essential—especially during the festive season.
