Moderation is always recommended for any alcohol consumption. General recommendations suggest that men consume no more than two drinks per day, women one drink per day. One drink is defined as 12 oz. of beer, 4 oz. of wine, 1.5 oz. of 80-proof, or 1 oz. of 100-proof. Certain people should not drink alcohol, including those who are taking medications that could react with alcohol, those about to drive or operate certain machinery, those who are pregnant or may become pregnant, breastfeeding women, anyone under 21 years of age (laws vary by state), those with certain health conditions, and recovering alcoholics.

Alcohol is the "3rd leading lifestyle-related cause of death for the nation" according to the CDC. Short-term health risks include loss of judgment, degradation of motor skills, and other physical and mental deficits. Long-term risks include neurological problems, cardiovascular disease, depression, social problems, liver disease, gastrointestinal disease, breast cancer, obesity, accidents, and more.

There is a belief held by some researchers that alcohol, and in particular red wine, may have some beneficial effects in reducing death from heart disease in certain individuals. However, this is still under investigation. Clearly, drinking beyond moderation increases the risk for multiple health problems as described above.