Alcohol and loneliness: U.S. guidelines drop fixed drinking limits

The new U.S. dietary guidelines remove specific daily alcohol limits and have prompted debate over whether drinking helps social connection.

The Trump administration released updated U.S. dietary guidelines that no longer set concrete daily limits for alcohol and instead advise people to "consume less alcohol for better overall health." Dr. Mehmet Oz described alcohol as "a social lubricant" that can help people bond, and his comments became a focal point of public discussion. Health researchers and sober influencers raised concerns, citing studies on alcohol-related health risks and pointing to a growing sober movement. The change also drew responses from the alcohol industry, which emphasized social uses of drinking in marketing. Key points: - The updated guidelines drop the previous numeric daily limits and state that people should "consume less alcohol for better overall health," while Dr. Mehmet Oz said alcohol can aid social bonding. - Experts cited in the article note mixed scientific findings: some research links even light drinking to cancer and other harms, while a December 2024 federal report suggested moderate drinking was associated with lower overall mortality but higher breast cancer risk. - The article describes a broad public reaction: sober influencers and alcohol-free social spaces have grown in recent years, and alcohol companies and some commentators argued for alcohol's social role. Summary: The guideline change has prompted debate between officials who emphasize social benefits and health experts who point to research on alcohol-related risks. Undetermined at this time.