The psychological benefits of moderate alcohol consumption: A review of the literature

doi:10.1016/0376-8716(85)90008-0

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

Volume 15, Issue 4, August 1985, Pages 305-322

https://doi.org/10.1016/0376-8716(85)90008-0 Get rights and content

Abstract

A review of the literature on the positive psychological benefits of light and moderate alcohol consumption suggests the following: (1) Alcohol in moderate amounts is effective in reducing stress. This has been found in both physiologic and self-report measures. (2) Low and moderate doses of alcohol have been reported to increase overall affective expression, happiness, euphoria, conviviality and pleasant and carefree feelings. Tension, depression and self-consciousness have been reported to decrease with equal doses. (3) Low alcohol doses have been found to improve certain types of cognitive performance. Included here are problem-solving and short-term memory. (4) Heavy drinkers and abstainers have higher rates of clinical depression than do regular moderate drinkers. (5) Alcohol in low and moderate doses has been effective in the treatment of geropsychiatric problems.

As indicated in the text, results from many of the studes reviewed suggest that light or moderate drinking may be beneficial to psychological well-being. Liber (N. Engl. J. Med., 310(13) (1984) 846) has commented that the subject of control of alcohol intake evokes strong emotional responses, which can overshadow a logical assessment of whether or not to include ‘healthy’ drinking in a dietary plan. It is hoped that this review of data from available research can help provide a basis for making such an assessment.

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Review paperThe psychological benefits of moderate alcohol consumption: A review of the literature

Abstract

Psychosom. Med.

Soc. Sci. Med.

J. Am. Dent. Assoc.

Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci.

Nature

Concepts

Alcohol: Clin. Exp. Res.

Some characteristics related to the incidence of cardiovascular disease and death: Framington study, 16 year follow-up

Ann. Int. Med.

Johns Hopkins Med. J.

Int. J. Addict.

Psychopathology and life events among alcohol users and nonusers

J. Stud. Alcohol

Stress and alcohol

Q. J. Stud. Alcohol

J. Pers. Soc. Psychol.

J. Pers. Soc. Psychol.

Q. J. Stud. Alcohol

Q. J. Stud. Alcohol

Q. J. Stud. Alcohol

Q. J. Stud. Alcohol

J. Abnorm. Psychol.

J. Lab. Clin. Med.

J. Stud. Alcohol

Psychol. Rep.

J. Abnorm. Psychol.

Am. J. Sociol.

Am. J. Sociol.

Am. J. Sociol.

Review paper
The psychological benefits of moderate alcohol consumption: A review of the literature