Not all bad news: The feel-good side of alcohol (in moderation)

Not all bad news: The feel-good side of alcohol (in moderation)

When it comes to alcohol, the headlines are often grim. And yes, excessive drinking is linked to everything from liver disease and cardiovascular problems to anxiety, broken sleep, and brain fog. But somewhere along the line, we lost the nuance. Not all alcohol consumption is created equal. And not every glass poured signals a slide into dependence.

In fact, some research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption, particularly wine enjoyed with meals, may have a protective effect on cardiovascular health. A recent study by the University of Barcelona found that light-to-moderate wine intake, as part of a balanced Mediterranean diet, was associated with better cardiovascular outcomes. That doesn’t mean wine is a magic bullet, but it does show that context and lifestyle matter.

This theme runs deeper than just heart health. Research from the University of Oxford points to the social and emotional benefits of moderate drinking in communal settings. Their study found that drinking in groups, particularly in familiar, relaxed environments, strengthened social bonds and improved overall well-being. It’s not about the alcohol itself but about how it’s embedded in moments of connection and ritual.

When alcohol is used to support connection, it often enhances mood and marks meaningful transitions: the end of the working day, a toast, a meal shared. But when alcohol is used to replace connection, that’s when the balance starts to tip.

The same glass that feels grounding with friends can feel numbing when drunk alone. The mood lift you get from raising a toast is hard to replicate in silence. And chasing that same high solo rarely delivers the result we’re hoping for.

So yes, it’s not all bad news. When approached with care and intention, alcohol can still be part of a healthy, connected, joyful life. At ARC, we’re not here to demonise it or glamorise it. We’re here to help you reset the relationship, to drink less but better, and to choose when it’s really worth it.

References

• University of Barcelona, 2024 – New Evidence on the Relationship Between Moderate Wine Consumption and Cardiovascular Health
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• University of Oxford, 2017 – Social Alcohol Consumption Improves Wellbeing and Bonding
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