Alcohol
For you and your community
Alcohol can affect both health and everyday wellbeing. Drinking less reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other non-communicable diseases, as well as injuries and other harms. Alcohol is toxic and can cause dependence, and even low levels of consumption can increase cancer risk.1,2
Drinking is not shaped by personal choice alone. Price, availability, marketing, social norms, stress and the situations around us all influence alcohol use. Supportive environments and accessible services can make it easier to drink less or not drink at all.1
You do not need to make a dramatic change all at once. Alcohol-free days, choosing alcohol-free options, planning ahead and asking for support can all be positive steps. Less alcohol means lower risk.1,2
Less
alcohol means lower risk
for cancer and other diseases¹,²
All drinks
that contain alcohol
can affect health¹,²
Small
steps can support health
and wellbeing¹
Support
makes it easier
to drink less¹
Alcohol is not risk-free
Alcohol can affect many parts of health and wellbeing. It is toxic, can cause dependence and is classified as carcinogenic to humans. Alcohol contributes to cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other non-communicable diseases, as well as liver disease, injuries, violence and mental health harms.1,2
Heavy drinking causes the greatest burden of harm, but lower levels can still increase health risks, particularly cancer risk. For cancer, no level of alcohol consumption is safe, and less means lower risk.1,2
The aim is not to judge people or demand perfection. Clear information, practical choices and appropriate support can help people decide whether to drink less or not drink at all.
Drinking less can make a difference
Drinking less can support health and wellbeing and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other non-communicable diseases. It can also reduce injuries and harms affecting families and communities.1,2
Support long-term health
Drinking less can reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, liver disease and other health conditions.
Improve everyday wellbeing
People may notice improvements in sleep, energy, mood and concentration when they drink less.
Support mental wellbeing
Alcohol can affect stress, anxiety, mood and sleep. Drinking less may support better mental wellbeing.
Reduce accidents and injuries
Drinking less can reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, falls, violence and other harms.
Support families and communities
Reducing alcohol-related harm can help families, workplaces and communities feel safer, healthier and better supported.
Small steps can make a difference
Everyone’s situation is different. Drinking less or choosing not to drink can begin with small, manageable changes. Planning ahead, noticing your habits and asking for support can all help.1
You can:
- Choose alcohol-free days during the week
- Try alcohol-free drinks in social settings
- Decide in advance whether and how much you want to drink
- Drink water between alcoholic drinks
- Notice situations where you may drink more than intended
- Find other ways to respond to stress, tiredness or social pressure
- Talk to someone or seek support if alcohol feels difficult to control
- Support friends and family who choose to drink less or not drink
The goal is not perfection. Every alcohol-free day or reduction can be a positive step. Less alcohol means lower risk.1,2
Drinking less is easier when surroundings support it
Alcohol use is shaped by the people, places, products and messages around us. Price, availability, marketing, social expectations, workplace culture and family habits can all influence how much people drink.3
This means drinking less is not only about willpower. Affordable and appealing alcohol-free options, clear health information, supportive social settings and easy access to advice or services can make change easier.
Environments where alcohol is not treated as essential to every celebration, event or social occasion can also help people feel comfortable drinking less or not drinking at all.
Helpful surroundings make a difference
It can be easier to drink less or not drink when alcohol-free choices are normal, affordable and widely available, and when support is easy to access.3
It can be easier when there are:
- Appealing and affordable alcohol-free options
- Social events where alcohol is not the main focus
- Clear information about alcohol and health, including cancer risk
- Workplaces that support alcohol-free events and social activities
- Friends and family who respect and support decisions to drink less or not drink
- Primary care and community services that offer brief advice and support
- Accessible treatment and family support when alcohol is causing harm
- Less exposure to alcohol marketing, sponsorship and digital promotion
- Activities and public spaces where people can socialise without alcohol
Supportive surroundings make drinking less or not drinking easier, more accepted and more realistic in everyday life.
Common myths about alcohol
There is a lot of advice and opinion about alcohol, and not all of it is reliable. Alcohol does not become harmless because of the type of drink, and lower consumption means lower risk.1,2
“Only heavy drinking is harmful”
Heavy drinking causes the greatest burden of harm, but lower levels of alcohol consumption can still increase health risks, particularly cancer risk.
“Wine or beer is safer than spirits”
The risk comes from the alcohol itself. Beer, wine, spirits and other alcoholic drinks all contain ethanol, which can affect health and cause cancer.
“Alcohol is good for the heart”
This message can be misleading and should not be used as a reason to drink. Any possible protective effects suggested by some studies have not been shown to outweigh the established cancer and wider health risks.
“Alcohol harm is only about addiction”
Alcohol can cause harm even when someone is not dependent on it. It contributes to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, liver disease, injuries, violence, mental health problems and harm affecting families and communities.
“Everyone drinks”
Not everyone drinks alcohol, and many people choose to drink less or not drink at all. These choices should feel normal and be respected and supported.
Prevention should support people, not blame them
Alcohol-related harm does not affect everyone equally. Income, employment and housing conditions, stress, mental health, family circumstances, social pressure and access to services can all influence alcohol use and the harm people experience.4
Some people may find it difficult to reduce or stop drinking because alcohol can cause dependence, or because support is not easy to access. Needing help is not a failure, and change is not equally easy for everyone.1,4
A fair approach provides clear information, respectful and affordable support, and healthier surroundings that make drinking less or not drinking easier. It supports people without blame, judgement or stigma.3,4
Less alcohol means lower risk
Drinking less can support health, wellbeing and everyday life. Every reduction can be a positive step, and choosing not to drink is always an option.1,2
Start with one realistic change: an alcohol-free day, a smaller serving, an alcohol-free drink, or asking for support if alcohol feels difficult to control.
The goal is not perfection. It is to make drinking less or not drinking easier, more accepted and more realistic, with respectful support available when needed.3,4
Explore the prevention areas
Evidence and further reading
The information and recommendations on this page are based on evidence and guidance from trusted public health organisations.
- Alcohol
World Health Organization - Alcohol and cancer
WHO Regional Office for Europe - Global alcohol action plan 2022–2030
World Health Organization - Addressing alcohol consumption and socioeconomic inequalities: how a health promotion approach can help
World Health Organization
