Narcologist Favorovsky dispelled the myth of a safe amount of alcohol.

      August 17, 2026 07:11 Society Alcohol can negatively affect almost the entire body, and its consumption is associated with the risk of developing more than 200 diseases and various pathological conditions. At the same time, the common belief in the existence of a "safe dose" of alcohol does not correspond to modern data. This was stated by Alexey Favorovsky, deputy chief physician of the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Narcological Dispensary. According to the specialist, the consequences of alcohol consumption are not limited to the effects on individual organs. First and foremost, the liver, which is involved in the processing of ethanol, experiences a serious load. Regular alcohol consumption can lead to fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. The cardiovascular system also suffers. Alcohol consumption increases the risks of hypertension, arrhythmia, and other diseases that can lead to premature death. Another danger is associated with the development of oncological diseases. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver, breast, esophageal, oral cavity, and colorectal cancers. Ethanol and its breakdown products can damage cell DNA, which can provoke malignant changes. The negative impact also affects cognitive functions. A person may experience decreased attention and productivity, as well as difficulties with learning and performing everyday tasks. In the long run, this can affect both professional activity and quality of life. Why there is no "safe dose" The belief that a small amount of alcohol is harmless or even beneficial is still widespread. One well-known example is the claim about the supposedly positive effect of a glass of red wine on the heart. However, as Alexey Favorovsky notes, modern studies do not support such views. There is no safe dose of alcohol: any consumption is associated with a certain risk, and even small portions can contribute to the development of diseases. When assessing the consequences, not only direct harm to health is taken into account. Alcohol consumption is also associated with injuries, accidents, and social and economic problems. What happens when refusing to abuse alcohol Refusing excessive alcohol consumption can immediately affect several areas of life - health, psychological state, relationships with others, and financial situation. According to the data provided by the specialist, the chances of living longer can increase by 5-10 years. At the same time, the likelihood of early serious brain damage, heart disease, liver disease, and oncological pathologies decreases. The risk of death from these causes can be reduced by up to 12 times. Positive changes can also affect everyday well-being. Sleep normalizes, emotional state becomes more stable, and there is more energy. Without alcohol, a person may also find it easier to concentrate, work, and study. Refusing alcohol also helps control body weight, as alcoholic beverages contain a significant number of calories. This, in turn, contributes to reducing the risks of obesity. As the body recovers, the condition of the skin, hair, and nails may improve. Changes can also occur in personal life. The number of conflicts with loved ones decreases, trust and mutual understanding strengthen. For men, improvements in sexual life are possible, while for women, there is a reduced risk of unwanted pregnancy and harm to the future child. Additionally, the likelihood of unprotected sexual contacts and infections transmitted sexually, including HIV, decreases. Refusing to abuse alcohol also reduces the likelihood of getting into dangerous situations. According to the provided data, the risk of suicide decreases sixfold, and the risk of death in a traffic accident decreases threefold. The likelihood of dying in a fire or drowning also decreases. It should be noted that starting in 2025, at the instruction of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the national project "Long and Active Life" is being implemented. The national project "Long and Active Life" aims to increase life expectancy by 2030 and involves the renovation of clinics, outpatient clinics, and health posts, attracting qualified medical personnel to medical institutions, applying new approaches in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases, improving emergency medical care and rehabilitation systems, developing a network of national research centers, and digitizing the industry. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+