Drinking is part of our culture. Most men enjoy a drink or two, especially during social gatherings. However, many men drink too much alcohol or do this too often, and end up damaging their health.

The effects of alcohol depend on many factors, such as how much you drink, how quickly the alcohol is consumed, and whether the alcohol is consumed with other drugs. It also depends on whether you are used to drinking, your mood, weight, gender and general health status.

Of note is that drinking alcohol cannot reduce stress. On the contrary, it is easy to get over-drinking. Acute overdose can lead to drunk, discomfort and loss of control of one's behaviour. Long-term overdose can lead to alcohol dependence. This may adversely affect not only your physical and mental health, but also influence your work performance and ruin your social life. For every article you read about the benefits of alcohol consumption, another seems to warn you of its risks. You might find such conflicting information confusing and frustrating.

Though moderate alcohol use seems to have some health benefits, anything more than moderate drinking can negate any potential benefits. Moderate drinking is defined as two drinks a day if you're a male under 65, or one drink a day if you're a female or a male over 65.

So should you avoid alcohol? Or can you continue to enjoy your glass of wine with dinner? It's up to you and your doctor. Here are some points on alcohol consumption for you to consider.

Health benefits
Moderate alcohol consumption may provide some health benefits. It may:

Reduce your risk of developing heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and intermittent claudication
Reduce your risk of dying of a heart attack
Possibly reduce your risk of strokes, particularly ischemic strokes
Lower your risk of gallstones
Possibly reduce your risk of diabetes

Health risks
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health problems, including:

Cancer of the pancreas, mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus and liver, as well as breast cancer
Pancreatitis, especially in people with high levels of triglycerides in their blood
Sudden death in people with cardiovascular disease
Heart muscle damage (alcoholic cardiomyopathy) leading to heart failure
Stroke
Brain atrophy (shrinkage)
Cirrhosis of the liver
Miscarriage
Fetal alcohol syndrome in an unborn child, including impaired growth and nervous system development
Injuries due to impaired motor skills
Suicide

What counts as a drink ?
A drink is defined as 12 ounces (oz.) of beer, 5 oz. of wine or 1.5 oz. of 80-proof distilled spirits. Again, keep in mind that people age 65 and older shouldn't drink more than one drink a day. With increasing age, adults break down alcohol more slowly, leading them to become intoxicated more quickly and increasing alcohol's damaging effects.

Who shouldn't drink alcohol?
People with certain health conditions shouldn't drink any alcohol, as even small amounts could cause problems. Don't drink alcohol if you have:

A history of a hemorrhagic stroke
Liver disease
Pancreatic disease
Evidence of precancerous changes in the esophagus, larynx, pharynx or mouth

If you have a family history of alcoholism, be particularly cautious when it comes to drinking, as you are at higher risk of alcoholism. And if you're pregnant, avoid alcohol entirely because of the health risks for your unborn baby. In addition, alcohol interacts with many common prescription and over-the-counter medications. Check with your doctor, if you take:

Antibiotics
Anticoagulants
Antidepressants
Diabetes medications
Antihistamines
Anti-seizure medications
Beta blockers
Pain relievers
Sleeping pills

If you combine alcohol with aspirin, you face an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. And if you use alcohol and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), you increase your risk of liver damage. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration requires all over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers to carry a warning label advising those who consume three or more drinks a day to consult with their doctors before using the drug.