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Addiction Archive

Women's Health

Is it safe for women to drink alcohol?

Updated November 1, 2018

Ask the doctor

Image: © DragonImages/Getty Images

Q. The Harvard Health Letter has often said that it is generally healthy for women to have one alcoholic drink per day. Yet I hear a recent study showed no benefit. What's the truth?

A. Before answering your question, let's define "one drink": it's 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. And it means having one drink each day of the week, not having seven drinks on Saturday night, sleeping it off Sunday, and begging off until next Saturday night. Now, despite the recent study, we stick with what we've said, which reflects the research of outstanding nutrition scientists at Harvard and elsewhere.

Paul G. Mathew, MD, FAAN, FAHS

Alcohol and headaches

Published October 26, 2018

Peter Grinspoon, MD

Does addiction last a lifetime?

Published October 8, 2018

Robert H. Shmerling, MD

Alcohol and your health: Is none better than a little?

Updated September 20, 2018

James Cartreine, PhD

Small study suggests benefits of computer-guided CBT for substance abuse

Updated August 23, 2018

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kids

Published August 16, 2018

Mind & Mood

6 keys to finding a high-quality addiction treatment center

Updated August 10, 2018

With over 14,500 substance use disorder treatment facilities in the United States, it is challenging to assess which ones offer quality treatment to help people begin the process of recovery. A loved one's life can depend on a successful outcome, so it's crucial to know what to look for when choosing an addiction treatment center.

Adolescence: A high-risk time for substance use disorders

Published August 7, 2018

The prefrontal cortex does not fully develop until the mid-20s, which makes teenagers’ brains excellent at learning and absorbing new information, but it also makes them vulnerable to experimentation and the potential for substance use disorders.