SOBER STRONG

1. Is any amount of alcohol actually “safe”?

Current evidence says no. The World Health Organization classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen (same class as tobacco and asbestos) and states that “no level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health.” World Health Organization

2. What health problems are most strongly linked to drinking?

Alcohol contributes to 200+ diseases and injuries, including roughly half of U.S. liver-disease deaths, 5–6 % of all cancer cases, heart disease, cognitive decline, and immune suppression. NIAAAEatingWell

3. How fast can alcohol damage the liver?

In 2023, 44.5 % of all U.S. liver-disease deaths involved alcohol, and alcohol-related cirrhosis is now the leading reason for liver transplantation—up 63 % in a decade. NIAAANIAAA

4. Does alcohol really ruin sleep?

Yes. Even one drink before bed shortens REM, fragments deep sleep, and leaves most people feeling less rested; sleep architecture can take up to eight weeks to normalize after quitting. Sleep FoundationThe Guardian

5. How does drinking affect mental-health issues like anxiety or depression?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) frequently co-occurs with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other disorders; treating both the drinking and the underlying mental-health condition is essential for recovery. NIAAANIAAA

6. What is “binge drinking” and why is it dangerous?

NIAAA defines binge drinking as reaching a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08 % (≈ 4–5 drinks in 2 hours). It sharply raises the risk of overdose, accidents, violence, and long-term organ damage. NIAAA

7. What are the early signs of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

Red-flag questions include:
• Feeling the need to cut down
• Annoyance at criticism about drinking
• Guilt about drinking
• “Eye-opener” drinks in the morning (CAGE screener)
Meeting 2–3 of 11 DSM-5 criteria signals mild AUD; 6+ is severe. Department of Mental HealthNIAAA

8. Is alcohol withdrawal dangerous?

It can be. Mild symptoms (tremor, anxiety, insomnia) may start within 6 hours; severe withdrawal (seizures, delirium tremens) is a medical emergency that requires supervised care. NIAAA

9. What is the “sober-curious” movement I keep hearing about?

“Sober-curious” describes people who experiment with cutting back or quitting for health and lifestyle reasons. U.S. alcohol purchases dropped 24 % every January as more consumers test alcohol-free challenges like Dry January. NCSolutions

10. Are non-alcoholic beers and mocktails safe alternatives?

They remove ethanol’s health risks but can be triggering for some in recovery. If taste cues don’t cause cravings, NA options can help social integration; otherwise stick to seltzers or flavored waters. (Professional guidance recommended.) NCSolutions