Since 1990, there have been clear limits for drinking in the United States: men no more than two drinks per day, women only one. They have been updated every five years, with the latest version of them most recently in 2020. But now there are rumors circulating that the Trump Administration might flip things around—perhaps doing away with these very specific daily limits.
Under the new policy, the document might now say something more vague like “drink in moderation,” without any numbers. This would be a major shift and would likely confuse many individuals who use the numbers as a reference point for making safe choices.
Why does this matter? The cancer connection
And here’s the catch — booze is not just about getting stoned. The National Cancer Institute insists that drinking raises the risk of several cancers: mouth, throat, liver, breast, and even colorectal cancer. The science involved isn’t new, but it’s real.
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s report before he departed issued a warning that even one alcoholic drink per day can lead you to be at risk for some cancers, including breast and mouth cancer. Drinking two or more per day only increases those risks. So all these “limits” are not randomly chosen; they are designed to make you healthier.
The experts speak Out
Dr. Silvia Balbo, a University of Minnesota cancer researcher, thinks going back on the clear guidelines would be a “missed opportunity.” She also points out that people often ask her, “How much is safe to drink?” and with strict guidelines, one gets a “rough idea.”
Instead of giving up on the numbers, Balbo suggests refining the guidelines by adding enhanced information — like what moderation really is. She quotes the UK’s National Health Service, which provides easy-to-use charts and calculators so you can easily view exactly how much “units” of booze you’re drinking.
What the research says — and doesn’t
There is some controversy. A new National Academies of Sciences review said there’s “insufficient evidence” for a link between moderate alcohol consumption and certain cancers like mouth and throat cancers. The report was challenged by experts and the National Cancer Institute, however.
However, most scientists have concluded that heavy drinking is decidedly not safe. Dr. Balbo’s lab researches how alcohol is metabolized into a poisonous chemical called acetaldehyde that destroys the DNA in cells — and that can eventually lead to cancer.
Are Americans even aware?
Surprisingly, less than half of Americans know that alcohol is carcinogenic. That’s much fewer than for dangers from smoking or exposure to asbestos. So changing the guidelines without clear guidance may make it even harder for the public to hear about danger.
Surprisingly, younger generations like millennials and Gen Z are actually drinking less than earlier generations. A recent Gallup poll stated that there were fewer young adults who drink regularly and who, when drinking, consume less. Maybe better guidelines are required more than ever now to allow people to make healthier choices.
How do other nations deal with this?
Canada recommends up to two a day for women, three for men. The UK recommends no more than 14 “units” a week — about six glasses of wine or pints of beer spread over several days. The World Health Organization is more draconian, recommending that there’s no safe level of alcohol whatsoever because it’s a proven carcinogen, like asbestos or tobacco.
What this means for you
If the U.S. moves to general guidelines instead of specific drink limits, it will be harder for you to know how much is safe. Experts say this will be a step backward for public health education — especially since alcohol-cancer risks are real. So, look for these new guidelines when they come out and keep in mind: moderation is not just “a little.” It is about being aware of the risks and making choices that make you healthy in the long run.
