Alcohol Use and South Asians

It is difficult to stereotype drinking habits among a group as broad as South Asians given the diversity of language, cultural and religious practices. However, there are some recurrent themes that may put South Asians at risk for abusing alcohol.

Read the frequently asked questions below for information about South Asians and alcohol consumptions.

When can alcohol use become a problem for South Asians?

For younger South Asians, being raised in a strict environment can often lead to increased drinking once young adults enter college or become independent from their parents.

In addition, many South Asians do not feel comfortable speaking openly about topics like stress and mental health disorders with their family members and peers. Unfortunately, this may lead some South Asians to turn to alcohol as a source of comfort.

Immigrants to the United States also face the challenges of successfully balancing work and family life without the support of extended family members. This source of stress can also lead to alcohol abuse.

And finally, alcohol is often the center of social events.

What are some of the major health risks associated with drinking alcohol?

Unfortunately, many people have a tendency to point out the various health benefits while ignoring the potential risks of alcohol to justify their drinking habits. Excess alcohol consumption can worsen conditions that South Asians are already at risk for including high triglycerides, high blood pressure, fatty liver, gout, obesity and diabetes.

Studies have shown that alcohol use can also increase the risk of a condition called metabolic syndrome, which is prevalent in South Asians and may triple their risk of a heart attack. In addition, heavy alcohol use may increase the risk of stroke, breast cancer, cancers of the head, neck and digestive tract, accidents and suicide.

What are the health benefits associated with drinking alcohol?

Studies have suggested that consuming alcohol in moderation (see below) may be associated with a reduced risk of heart attacks and stroke. However, these studies are not rigorous scientific trials that prove without a doubt that alcohol reduces heart attack and stroke risk. Alcohol can also cause a modest increase in HDL, the protective form of cholesterol.

How much and which type of alcohol can I drink?

Speak with your personal physician to determine if moderate alcohol consumption is OK for you. If you are overweight or have any significant medical conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or liver abnormalities, or are taking any medication, speak to your physician before consuming alcohol.

In general, moderate alcohol intake is defined as:

• One to two drinks per day for men
• One drink per day for women

Examples of "one drink" include:

• 12 oz of beer
• 4 oz of wine
• 1.5 oz of 80-proof spirits
• 1 oz of 100-proof spirits

Is red wine healthier than other forms of alcohol?

It has not been proven that red wine protects the heart more than other forms of alcohol. In fact, studies have shown that all types of alcohol are equally associated with decreased heart disease risk. Red wine does have more antioxidants than other forms of alcohol. However, no studies have proven that antioxidants are protective against heart disease and cancer. The antioxidant effects of wine are not a sufficient reason to start drinking since antioxidants can also be obtained from eating fruits and vegetables, and drinking red grape juice.

Can I drink more alcohol on the weekends (if it averages one drink per day)?

Grouping your weekly alcohol intake to one or two days in the week (referred to as binge drinking) is unhealthy and should be avoided.

Should I start drinking alcohol for good health?

Absolutely not. There are many other strategies South Asians can implement for better health, including regular exercise, eating a balanced diet and maintaining a normal weight.

Last Reviewed: 2012