A leading doctor has exposed the “big lie” many people tell themselves about alcohol consumption. Let’s face it—drinking is a deeply rooted part of society. According to Drink Aware, around 48% of people over 16 in the UK enjoy relaxing with an alcoholic beverage, while 19% choose sobriety.
We all know binge drinking and excessive alcohol consumption are harmful to our health, but what about the occasional drink? Surely a glass of wine or a pint here and there can’t do much harm, right?
Unfortunately, that’s a misconception. Even moderate drinking can have negative consequences. Dr. Daniel Amen, a brain specialist who regularly shares insights on TikTok about the risks of drinking culture, explains why even small amounts of alcohol can be damaging.
“The big lie is that I should drink because one or two glasses of alcohol are good for me,” Dr. Amen said.
While some studies suggest moderate drinking may offer benefits—like the link between low red wine intake and reduced heart disease risk—Dr. Amen argues these studies are often backed by the alcohol industry and may be misleading. He emphasizes his own research, stating, “People who drink have smaller brains, and when it comes to the brain, size matters.”
He also highlights the connection between alcohol and brain function, noting that drinkers tend to have more disrupted white matter. White matter consists of brain tissues that connect various areas of the brain, allowing them to communicate efficiently. “People who drink, even moderately, experience more disrupted communication in their brains,” he explained.
Dr. Amen has previously compared the effects of alcohol on the brain to “blowing up” neural connections. His warnings align with a recent World Health Organization (WHO) study, which found that no level of alcohol consumption is truly safe. Dr. Carina Ferreira-Borges, discussing the research, stated, “It doesn’t matter how much you drink—the risks to health begin with the very first drop of any alcoholic beverage.”