Knowing Unsafe Alcohol Consumption and When to Get Treatment
Why is a Surgeon General health warning statement required on the back (or front) of alcoholic beverages? When everyone knows that it leads to increased cancer risk and other negative health effects, what’s the purpose of adding a health warning?
These are valid questions, something the public health professionals have heard and responded to over decades. The Surgeon General Health warning is a critical public health message. It has been there for decades, to remind people that alcohol may cause health problems.
We will take a look at the health warning statement in more detail, as well as the new Surgeon General warning on alcohol and its cancer-causing potential. We will also look at how the government warning on alcohol bottles actually helps people make informed decisions surrounding alcohol consumption.
Why? In light of recent updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), we know that alcohol can lead to seven different types of cancer.
Kee reading to learn more about this news, and if you or someone you love is in need of support to achieve sobriety, remember we are only a confidential call away!
What is the Surgeon General’s Health Warning (Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act)?
The Surgeon General’s warning statement is part of what we call the Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act. According to that labeling act, the manufacturers of alcohol-containing beverages have to add a “warning statement” on every bottle.
If you have ever drank a beer or bought a handle of hard liquid – or seen someone drinking alcohol – you may have noticed the sign. The following statement makes up the warning labels on such bottles and/or outer packaging:
1 – According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects.
2 – Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.
We all know that consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive and work with machinery. But did you know that it can lead to at least seven types of cancer – including breast cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer?
Therefore, the health warning statement is a reminder that alcohol consumption can lead to breast cancer risk (among other types of cancers) and other health complications.
It is a risk factor behind countless diseases and health conditions, especially for vulnerable people like pregnant women. And, that is one of the main reasons why the Department of Health and Human Services works to increase awareness of the dangers regarding alcohol consumption.
What Are the Health Risks If You drink Alcoholic Beverages?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has countless scientific studies, reviews, and research papers that highlight alcohol consumption as a health hazard. In fact, there’s a comprehensive study that came in 2025 stating how one or two drinks per day can increase the risk factor of cancerous diseases and other issues. Some of them include the following:
- Cancer risk
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Birth defects
- Mental health disorders
How Much Alcohol is Safe to Drink?
One of the main purposes of the warning labels is to set guidelines for the general public, such as on the maximum number of drinks they can have before the risks are substantial. The labeling act and surgeon general reports tell us how much is considered “safe drinking”.
- For women – moderate drinking could be up to one drink per day
- For men – moderate drinking could be up to two drinks per day
There’s a surgeon general’s report that tells us how numerous well-established institutes have identified the direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk. Regardless, even within the guideline limits, some people might face the same or higher health risks due to alcohol consumption.
When Should You Get Treatment for Alcohol Use?
It can be difficult to know whether someone is struggling with alcohol abuse and get them help before it’s too late.
At South Shores, we understand the pain that loved ones have to go through watching their friends and family members go through such disorders.
Let’s take a look at some indicators of alcoholism that will help you recognize the issue early:
- Frequently drinking alcohol even with negative consequences like problems at work or relationship strains
- An inability to control drinking or do it more than intended
- Building up alcohol tolerance with the need to drink more to get the desired “effect”
- Withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, or nausea when alcohol not consumed
Are you or someone you know struggling with alcoholism? Know that professional help is here, with South Shores Detox, and our caring team ready to assist you and your family members break free from the clutches of addiction. Get a confidential consultation now.
What Are the Treatment Options for Alcohol Use?
How do I help someone close to me who is struggling with alcohol abuse? Can I find the right alcohol rehab services on my own? Yes, you can find the right treatment options for you and help your loved ones too. Here are the most common and arguably, the most effective alcohol rehab treatments:
Detoxification
This is for someone who is severely addicted to alcohol and will require supervised detoxification to manage the withdrawal symptoms. While you can attempt to do it on your own, this carries very real risks, and it is always advisable – and recommended – to be under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Counseling and Therapy
This is where professionals at South Shores Detox and Recovery will suggest therapy options. For instance, some of the most scientifically discussed and effective approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and group therapies.
Support Groups
Another way to treat alcohol abuse is to bring someone struggling, whether it is you or someone you care about, close to those who have been through the challenge. It could also mean bringing you closer to people who endured the harshest challenges of alcohol abuse, to help you understand its dangers and risks.
Not only that, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery can help you strategize and expand education efforts to increase awareness of alcohol consumption risks.
Medication
Sometimes, healthcare professionals find it helpful for clients to take prescription medications related to detox and withdrawal, such as Naltrexone, Vivitrol, and Antabuse. It helps the clients reduce cravings for alcohol (and even substance use) so they can manage their condition and withdrawal symptoms more effectively.
If you’re struggling to find the right help, talk to an expert from South Shores Detox. Talking to a professional can help you understand the situation, and more importantly, plan the next steps.
Getting Better, One Step at a Time with Professionals by Your Side
The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) shares that, “Alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States”. And, that is exactly what the health warning statement emphasizes to increase general awareness regarding the risks of alcohol consumption.
Are you or someone in your circle struggling with addiction to alcohol? The help you need is only one phone call away, at South Shores Detox & Recovery. Our professionals are here to help you through evidence-based treatment approaches.
Together, we can fight the negative effects of drinking alcohol and reduce at least types of cancer risks. Know this: there is no shame in seeking help.
Start on a path to stable, lasting sobriety today, with our help. Call South Shores Detox for a confidential consultation now.