The effect of alcohol consumption varies depending on the amount consumed and an individual’s
characteristics and circumstances. Alcoholic beverages are harmful when consumed in excess.
Excess alcohol consumption alters judgment and can lead to dependency or addiction and other
Serious health problems such as cirrhosis of the liver, inflammation of the pancreas, and damage to the heart and brain. Even less than heavy consumption of alcohol is associated with significant risks. Consuming more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men increases the risk for motor vehicle accidents, other injuries, high blood pressure, stroke, violence, some types of cancer, and suicide. Compared with women who do not drink, women who consume one drink per day appear to have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.