Drink one less, gain much more health

▲ Health Risks of Alcohol

A Global Threat:

Approximately 2.6 million people worldwide die each year due to alcohol consumption, and alcohol-related harm accounts for 4.7% of the global disease burden.

Carcinogenic Substance:

Acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism, has been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Group 1 carcinogen. The longer it remains in the body, the greater the harm.

Organ Damage:

Long-term drinking increases the risk of esophageal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, stroke, and dementia.

Psychological and Social Impact:

Alcohol is associated with depression and anxiety and may lead to traffic accidents, falls, violence, and other unintentional injuries.

▲ Debunking Alcohol Myths

No Safe Amount:

There is no “safe level” of alcohol consumption. Even light drinking carries health risks.

Fixed Metabolism Rate:

The body requires at least 2 hours to metabolize one unit of alcohol (e.g., one bottle of beer). No method can speed this up.

Gender Differences:

When consuming the same amount of alcohol, women generally have a higher blood alcohol concentration than men, resulting in greater health risks.

Impaired Judgment:

Even when blood alcohol concentration is below 0.05, alcohol can still impair speech, memory, and coordination.

▲ Smart Ways to Say No to Alcohol

(5 Tips for Refusing Drinking Pressure)

Say You’re Driving:

Explain that you drove and are concerned about drunk-driving checks.

Say It’s Bad for Your Health:

Mention that you’re taking medication, following medical advice, or feeling unwell.

Use a Substitute Drink:

Replace alcohol with tea, soft drinks, or coffee.

Be Honest:

Clearly and directly state that you don’t drink alcohol.

Other Reasons:

Such as low alcohol tolerance, needing to use the restroom, or simply disliking the taste of alcohol.

▲ Professional Support Resources

If you or someone close to you doesn’t want to drink but can’t control it, or feels the need to drink in the morning to feel normal, these may be warning signs of alcohol dependence.

Taiwan Alcohol Abstinence & Addiction Prevention Center:

📞 0800-25-5959