Why We Don't Know More about the Social Benefits of Moderate Drinking

Heath, Dwight B.

doi:10.1016/j.annepidem.2007.01.016

Cited by 28 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Although experts may tacitly acknowledge positive psychological benefits associated with moderate alcohol consumption, the scientific literature appears to be preoccupied with the ills associated with excessive drinking (Heath 2007). It has been pointed out that the majority of the ETOH literature ignores 2/3 of the WHO's definition of health: "...mental and social well being...." (Heath 2007).…”

Section: Consumption Patterns: the Goodmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alcohol consumption: the good, the bad, and the indifferent

Ferreira

Willoughby

2008

Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab.

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Dietary ethanol (alcohol) is the most widely consumed drug worldwide. High levels of mortality, morbidity, and social malaise are associated with abuse of alcohol, and increasing numbers of women and youth are abusing alcohol. However, strong epidemiological data demonstrate a U-or J-shaped relationship between volume of alcohol consumed and all-cause mortality or disease burden. Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality and disease burden than are abstinence and immoderate drinking. A brief review of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of ethanol is provided with a discussion of the impact of gender differences. Potential mechanisms by which ethanol, ethanol metabolites, and (or) phytochemicals, as associated with different types of ethanol-containing beverages, are discussed in regards to the beneficial and detrimental impacts they may have on physiological system functioning and mortality or disease burden. Per capita consumption of ethanol-containing beverages varies across geo-political regions worldwide. A more recent research focus is the impact of consumption patterns on consumption volumes as they relate to disease and mortality. Certain drinking patterns moderate overall volume of ethanol consumption. Thus, an emerging approach to the study of alcohol consumption in populations is to consider both the volume and pattern of consumption as they relate to mortality and disease burden. Alcohol consumption patterns among athletes are discussed; physiological implications of alcohol abuse in this population are outlined. Current guidelines for the consumption of alcohol are reviewed. Alcohol consumption guidelines reflect the current scientific understanding of both the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption and the detriments of immoderate alcohol consumption.

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Section: Consumption Patterns: the Goodmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alcohol consumption: the good, the bad, and the indifferent

Ferreira

Willoughby

2008

Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab.

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“…Although research evidence supports the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption on health, the scientific literature also appears to be concerned about the diseases associated with excessive drinking in some societies and cultures (74) . This review recognizes the importance to consider social aspects of drinking while examining the whole dimension of alcohol consumption (amount, beverage type, frequency and variability), in order to estimate the global risk of consequences on the host defence to better understand alcohol-related harm or benefit (70,74,75) (Fig.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This review recognizes the importance to consider social aspects of drinking while examining the whole dimension of alcohol consumption (amount, beverage type, frequency and variability), in order to estimate the global risk of consequences on the host defence to better understand alcohol-related harm or benefit (70,74,75) (Fig. 3).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Drinking pattern and socio-cultural aspects on immune response: an overview

2010

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Social acceptance of drinking involves social and cultural roles and has important implications for public health. Since extensive evidence indicates that alcohol possesses immunomodulatory properties, scientists have recently debated the influence of alcohol consumption on the immune response, particularly in countries where drinking in a social setting is a part of cultural identity. Experimental and clinical data support the conclusion that alcohol is a potent immunomodulator. While high alcohol consumption suppresses a wide range of immune responses, leading to an increased incidence of a number of infectious diseases, moderate alcohol consumption may have a beneficial impact on the immune system, compared to alcohol abuse or abstinence, most likely due to the multiple components of polyphenol-rich alcoholic contributing to the protective effect seen for moderate alcohol consumption on CVD and the immune system. Despite this, the scientific literature appears to be concerned about the diseases associated with excessive drinking in some societies and cultures. Thus, the present review recognizes the importance to consider social and cultural aspects of drinking when examining the whole dimension of alcohol consumption (amount, beverage type, frequency and variability), in order to estimate global risk of consequences on host defence to better understand alcohol-related harm or benefit.

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“…Research shows that alcohol use reinforces group cohesion, helps integrate family and friends, promotes social solidarity, and works as a social lubricant (Beccaria & Sande, 2003;Heath, 1995;Rehm et al, 1996;Social Issues Research Centre [SIRC], 1998;Tolvanen, 1998). Heath (2007) and others (Cagney, 2006;SIRC, 1998) highlight alcohol's celebratory, social, relaxation, medicinal, and therapeutic functions. Alcohol use is also influenced by a range of social factors (Cagney, 2006;Sargent, 1983).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Alcohol use is social in nature, influenced by values, attitudes, and norms of cultural/social, gender, religious, ethnic, health, and political groupings (Cagney, 2006;Heath, 2007;Rehm et al, 1996). Research shows that alcohol use reinforces group cohesion, helps integrate family and friends, promotes social solidarity, and works as a social lubricant (Beccaria & Sande, 2003;Heath, 1995;Rehm et al, 1996;Social Issues Research Centre [SIRC], 1998;Tolvanen, 1998).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The social context of alcohol use among Māori in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Reflections of life experiences of alcohol use by older Māori

Herbert¹,

Forster²,

McCreanor³

et al. 2017

IJIH

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To broaden public health approaches to alcohol use, this study provides an initial exploration of the social context of alcohol use among Māori in Aotearoa/New Zealand, from the perspectives of older Māori. Utilising a Māori-centred research approach, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 13 older Māori people to explore their personal experiences of alcohol use across their lifetime. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes that contextualised stories of alcohol use within a Māori cultural framework. Four themes were identified: alcohol use within (1) a sporting culture, (2) a working culture, (3) the context of family, and (4) Māori culture. These themes highlight the influence of social factors such as the desire to socialise and seek companionship; the physical location of alcohol use; the importance of social networks, particularly whānau (family); and the role of cultural identity among Māori. In regard to cultural identity, the role of the marae (traditional meeting place/s of Māori), tikanga (the right way of doing things), and the relationship of kaumātua (respected elder) status to personal and whānau alcohol use are highlighted as important focuses for further research among Māori in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Keywords

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Why We Don't Know More about the Social Benefits of Moderate Drinking

Cited by 28 publications

References 16 publications

Alcohol consumption: the good, the bad, and the indifferent

Alcohol consumption: the good, the bad, and the indifferent

Drinking pattern and socio-cultural aspects on immune response: an overview

The social context of alcohol use among Māori in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Reflections of life experiences of alcohol use by older Māori

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