Study links alcohol to reduced stress

In a new study, drinkers who drink 1-2 drinks per day showed long-term reductions in stress signalling in the brain. This reduced stress appeared to account for the reduction in cardiovascular disease in people who are light to moderate drinkers.

The research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology looked at 50,000 people and accounted for genetic, lifestyle and socio-economic factors. Of the 50,000, 754 underwent brain imaging that showed reduced stress signalling in the brain area associated with stress.

Light-to-moderate drinking was associated with nearly double the cardiac-protective effect in individuals with a history of anxiety, compared with others. It also showed that those drinking over 14 drinks a week had an increased risk of cancer and heart attacks and a decreased risk in brain activity.