We’re told that everything is good in moderation. How much alcohol does it take to damage my brain?
The line between the ‘beneficial’ effects of alcohol and the damaging effects is a fine one. Some of the cardiovascular benefits of alcohol use are only relevant for people over 45, whereas the damaging effects are there at any age. It is important to consider not only the risks of brain impairment from alcohol use, but also the effect of intoxication in raising the risk of accidents, falls and assaults causing impairment. The National Health and Medical Research Council released updates guidelines for the use of alcohol in 2000, which classified ‘low risk’ use as up to 4 standard drinks per day for men, and up to 2 standard drinks per day for women, with 3 alcohol free days per week.
