Many people have a casual attitude toward drinking, but it is important to understand the real health and safety risks that alcohol presents. Small amounts of alcohol can temporarily affect normal functioning in body and brain. Heavy drinking can have serious, permanent consequences. Understanding that alcohol can have both short- and long-term health effects can help people make informed choices about their drinking habits.

Alcohol can interfere with the functioning of the body’s immune system,the system that fights off infection. Chronic drinking decreases the body’s resistance to infections, particularly those caused by bacteria.For example, alcoholics are at increased risk of pockets of infection in the lungs (known as abscesses), tuberculosis, and infections of the lining of the abdomen (called peritonitis). Increasing evidence suggests that chronic drinking not only damages the body’s defenses against bacteria but also against cancer cells.

A strong association exists between alcohol use and cancers of the esophagus, pharynx (in the throat), and mouth. Chronic heavy drinkers have more cases of esophageal cancer than the general population. The risk increases as alcohol consumption increases. There is no evidence that alcohol itself is a carcinogen, that is, a cancer-causing substance. However, alcohol appears to increase the carcinogenic effects of other chemicals, such as those in tobacco. The cancers with which alcohol is most closely associated are also cancers associated with smoking.

- a 330ml can of beer contains approx.10g pure alcohol.
- a 100ml glass of table wine contains approx.10g of pure alcohol.
- a 30ml of straight spirits contains approx.10g pure alcohol.