You may know that drinking too much alcohol isn’t good for you, but you might be surprised to learn just how much it can impact your short and long-term health. At ProPartners Healthcare, we want to empower you with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices about alcohol and your well-being.
What Counts as Excessive Alcohol Use?
Excessive drinking includes:
- Binge drinking: 4 to 5 single drinks* on one occasion
- Heavy drinking: 8+ drinks/week (for men or women)
- Underage drinking
- Any alcohol use during pregnancy
Even drinking moderately can come with risks, especially if it’s a daily habit or paired with other health conditions.
* a single drink is a 12 ounce beer, 5 ounce glass of wine or a single shot of liquor
Short-Term Risks of Excessive Alcohol Use
Even one night of overdoing it can lead to:
- Injuries from falls or car crashes
- Violence or risky behavior
- Alcohol poisoning
- Unintended pregnancy or STIs
- Dangerous drug interactions
- Pregnancy complications, including miscarriage and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Long-Term Risks of Alcohol Use
Regular heavy drinking can raise your risk for serious chronic conditions, including:
- Cancer (breast, liver, colon, throat, and more)
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes
- Liver disease and digestive issues
- Memory problems and dementia
- Mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety
- Weakened immune system, making you more prone to illness
More than 178,000 Americans die from alcohol-related causes each year, including over 20,000 from alcohol-related cancers.
How to Lower Your Risk
You don’t have to quit drinking entirely to protect your health—but drinking less is always better.
- Stick to moderate drinking guidelines (no more than 1 drink/day)
- Set personal limits and track your intake
- Avoid drinking when pregnant or under 21
- Seek help if drinking affects your health, mood, or relationships
We’re Here to Help
If alcohol use has started to affect your energy, mood, health, or relationships, you’re not alone and you don’t have to navigate it on your own.
At ProPartners Healthcare, we have a care model built on prevention, access, and strong patient-provider relationships. We offer a private, judgment-free environment where you can talk openly about your habits, concerns, and goals. Whether you’re ready to make a change or just want to understand what’s healthy for you, we’ll partner with you every step of the way.
We can:
- Assess your current alcohol use and how it may be affecting your health
- Create a personalized plan to cut back or quit, if that’s your goal
- Support you in improving related areas like sleep, stress, nutrition, or mental health
- Refer you to additional resources if needed
Your health is personal. Your care should be too.
As a member, you’ll have one dedicated physician, 24/7 direct access, same-day and next-day appointments, and no copays or coinsurance. Contact us at (913) 451-5709 to schedule a free meet-and-greet with one of our physicians.
