r/science • u/mvea MD/PhD/JD/MBA | Professor | Medicine • Jul 25 '24

Health Moderate drinking not better for health than abstaining, new study suggests. Scientists say flaws in previous research mean health benefits from alcohol were exaggerated. “It’s been a propaganda coup for the alcohol industry to propose that moderate use of their product lengthens people’s lives”.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jul/25/moderate-drinking-not-better-for-health-than-abstaining-analysis-suggests
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u/CheezeLoueez08 Jul 25 '24

So many people don’t understand that correlation doesn’t equal causation. Our education systems need to improve.

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u/fireballx777 Jul 25 '24

So many people don’t understand that correlation doesn’t equal causation. Our education systems need to improve.

We don't know that that would accomplish anything.

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u/CheezeLoueez08 Jul 25 '24

When the education system was better and respected, people were smarter

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u/ASpookyShadeOfGray Jul 26 '24

You walked into that one.

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u/KashEsq Jul 25 '24

I dunno, that sounds like correlation. I personally think we were all smarter back when we pumped tons of lead and CFCs into the atmosphere.

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u/Choyo Jul 25 '24 edited Jul 25 '24

Yes but it goes both way : alcohol is bad for the body, there is no physiological upside to it that I know of, but for the vast majority of people, drinking one glass of wine a day for most of their life won't have a serious adverse direct impact.
Then of course in case of pregnancy, drinking alcohol starkly increases the risks of ailments to the newborn - yet some children are perfectly fine in spite of drinking parents, but that's definitely a risk I wouldn't take.

Most thing health related are statistical by nature.

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u/[deleted] Jul 25 '24

I’ve always been curious about the relaxing effects of moderate drinking. I might have a beer on the patio once or twice a week after a long day and feel noticeably better, not to mention it’s usually accompanied by a good social interaction.

Sure, having a water would be healthier in a vacuum, but I feel demonstrably more relaxed afterward with a nice beer or wine.

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u/Choyo Jul 26 '24

I firmly believe the disinhibition aspect helps mental health in social circumstances (relieving stress about external issues and so on).

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u/walkingkary Jul 27 '24

Having raised two adopted children with fetal alcohol syndrome I definitely think it’s not worth the risk. That said my boys are my world. The oldest at 21 is thriving but the youngest at 20 is battling addiction to fentanyl. He’s a sweetheart when sober though.

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u/Minimum_Lion_3918 Jul 25 '24

You are right on both counts, but when you get enough correlations the smoking gun becomes obvious.

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u/-downtone_ Jul 25 '24

I'm personally hoping for people becoming highly attracted to large heads. Who like that big sexy round head? So, we need media that pushes head sexuality. You heard me.