Stanford University School of Engineering recently featured physician scientist Randall Stafford on its podcast The Future of Everything to discuss what alcohol really means for population health. Stafford explains that for many years research suggested alcohol might be beneficial, or at least harmless, especially for the heart. That idea shaped public opinion and policy, but it was built on incomplete science, emotional attachment to drinking, and industry influence. When all health outcomes are examined together, the picture changes.

Stafford lays out that alcohol is linked to cancer, liver disease, heart rhythm disorders, depression, and broader social harms. Any cardiovascular benefit from low consumption is small and outweighed by these risks. He also highlights that alcohol and mental health problems such as depression and suicidal behavior reinforce each other in both directions. This complexity made research difficult, but the accumulated evidence now points to a clear conclusion. There is no safe level of alcohol use from a health perspective.

The conversation does not argue for moral judgment or universal abstinence. Instead it calls for honesty about risk, more conscious drinking habits, and room for people to experiment with alcohol free periods and alternatives. The growing popularity of non alcoholic drinks and alcohol free challenges is seen as a hopeful sign of cultural change. The key message is simple. Drink for social or personal reasons if you choose, but not for health, because health benefits are a myth.

Find more from Stanford University School of Engineering (USA, January 2026)