The earlier you begin to moderate your drinking, the easier it will be. Long established drinking habits are harder to change. If you have already started to experience significant consequences, abstaining for at least a little while before you re-introduce alcohol may be an easier route for you. If you have physiological dependence on alcohol, where you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking for any length of time, abstinence is the recommended route for you.

For those individuals with certain medical conditions, symptoms of certain medical conditions, or taking specific medications, any drinking at all may be hazardous to your health. Conditions such as diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure may worsen with drinking. Consult your primary care physician for symptoms and conditions for which alcohol may cause additional harm. Click here for a list of medications in which drinking any alcohol is contraindicated.

There are different times in life when drinking at all may be problematic. Continue here to understand the impact of alcohol across the life span.