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 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
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
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 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
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
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: 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
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
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 & 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
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
- The alcohol content of a regular beer, glass of dinner wine and shot of whiskey or other distilled spirit (80 proof) are all the same. This is alcohol equivalence.
- The U.S. government reports that moderate consumption of alcohol (beer, wine or distilled spirits) improves health and increases longevity.
- Parents have great influence over the choices their children make about alcohol now and in the future.
- Drinking by students in the U.S. continues dropping to historic new lows.
- Distilled spirits (whiskey, brandy, rum, tequila, gin, etc.) contain no carbohydrates, no fats of any kind, and no cholesterol. Get the nutrition facts.
