Welcome to the Alcohol Problems and Solutions website. It’s been debunking myths and sharing effective peer-reviewed ways to reduce drinking problems and live healthier. And it’s been doing so for over a quarter century.

The site is educational and written by Dr. David J. Hanson, Professor Emeritus of the State University of New York. It receives no outside support.

Alcohol Problems and Solutions: Online since 1997

Alcohol Tolerance May be a Sign of Alcohol Dependence

People sometimes take pride in their ability to “hold their liquor” better than others. Instead they should see their doctor. That’s because alcohol tolerance is often considered a symptom of alcohol dependency. Alcohol tolerance refers to a decreased response to the effects of ethanol in alcoholic beverages. This reduced sensitivity… Read more

alcohol and cancer risk

Brain Science of Alcohol Research Findings often Confused

The findings of brain science of alcohol research can often be confusing. They’re also commonly misrepresented. Many news reports and groups warn us that any consuming alcohol by those under age 21 harms their brains. They tell us that early drinking can Reduce intellectual ability. Harm brain development. Cause learning… Read more

what is moderate drinking

Underage Drinking is Legal in Most US States (Learn Which)

Most U.S. states permit persons under the age of 21 to consume alcohol in many ways. Thus, underage drinking is legal in 41 US states. In spite of “The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984” (The Act). The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 A group opposed to… Read more

Kudzu and alcohol

Kudzu for Hangovers. Does It Help Sober Up & Relieve Hangovers?

Can people use kudzu for hangovers? Does it help people sober up? Background Kudzu is a vine that flourishes in many states. It’s very common in eastern and southeastern parts of the US. The government promoted it this Asian plant for animal fodder and erosion control. Chinese medicine has used… Read more

ben Bubar

Coerced Substance Treatment: It May Backfire

Many people are coerced into alcohol treatment. Their family may want them to go to AA. Or to go to a rehab. Sometimes a court gives them an option. They can attend AA or they can go to jail. That’s clearly coerced substance treatment.  In Sweden, the state can legally… Read more

alcohol and RA

Drinking Alcohol and RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis): Life Quality 

What is the link between drinking alcohol and RA (rheumatoid arthritis). RA is a chronic condition. It causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It usually affects the hands, wrists, and feet. Symptoms typically occur on both sides of the body. For instance, in both feet or in both… Read more

alcohol guidelines fail

Alcohol Guidelines Fail: Self-Underreporting Is Usual

Federal alcohol guidelines fail. That is, they’re too low. That’s because most people greatly under report their alcohol drinking. Suppose a study shows a medical problem may occur if people report drinking four drinks per day. That really means that the problem might occur if they have five, six, or… Read more

alcohol and sex

Drugs, Alcohol and Sex: Drugs Added to Alcohol

Drugs, alcohol and sex. What happens when young adults who drink also do drugs? Do they have more negative sexual experiences within the last three months? I. The Study   Researchers1sought the answer. To do so, they studied three categories of people. Alcohol only. A second group, alcohol plus marijuana.… Read more

alcohol and sex

Moderate Consumption of Alcohol and Depression: Facts

Is there a link between the moderate consumption of alcohol and depression? I. The Research Researchers wanted to learn the effects of drinking. Specifically, drinking throughout early to middle adulthood and depression at age 50. They compared the effects consistent abstinence to the following.  Occasional drinkers.  Moderate drinkers.  Heavy drinkers.… Read more

alcohol improves health

Alcohol Improves Health & Longevity (Live Longer)

Alcohol improves health & longevity when consumed in moderation. Moderate drinkers are usually healthier, live longer, & alcoholic drinks are usually healthier. Read more

rheumatoid arthritis risk

Alcohol and Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk: Are they Associated?

Are drinking alcohol and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk linked? RA is a very serious, painful, and disfiguring disease. And it’s incurable. Millions of people around the world are crippled by RA. RA is an inflammatory disease. And it’s autoimmune condition. The reasons are not known. Instead of attacking an infection, the… Read more

Alcohol and Dementia Risk among Older People

Researchers wanted to test drinking alcohol and dementia risk. In this case, they studied older Mexican-Americans.  I. The Study In 2004/05 they studied a group of people. They were aged 75 or older. It was an analysis of 1,255 people. All were Mexican-Americans living in the U.S. southwest. They were… Read more

Alcohol Facts