Public Health Agencies: Lay off the Sauce

A few months back, Americans everywhere became outraged at the suggestion that the U.S. may be following Canada’s lead in recommending no more than two alcoholic drinks per week for the new Dietary Guidelines coming out for 2025-2030. This would be a significant decrease from the current guidelines that suggest limiting alcohol intake to one drink or fewer per day for both adult men and women.

Even more blasphemous to us south of the border is Canada’s warning that no amount of alcohol is safe to consume.

The other week some of the country’s biggest manufacturers of spirits penned a broad-based industry letter to both HHS Secretary Becerra and USDA Secretary Vilsack raising big concerns about the Dietary Guidelines review process. In it they state, “We urge HHS and USDA to ensure an alcohol review process that includes stakeholder input and public comment opportunities and that is transparent, deliberative, science-driven, and results in guidance grounded in the preponderance of scientific and medical knowledge as required by law.” (READ MORE from Jennifer Galardi: Will Tulsi Gabbard Be Donald Trump’s VP Pick?)

This comment is based on several reviews from the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability along with the Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services. Committee chairs James Comer and Lisa McClain wrote several letters to the USDA, HHS, and NASEM (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine) outlining their concerns for the pending recommendations.

Much of their complaints centered around procedural mismanagement and duplication of efforts on behalf of multiple agencies as well as the integrity of the scientific claims.

In the letters, the chairs claim that there is a “continually evolving scientific debate about the risks and benefits of moderate alcohol consumption on individual health outcomes.”

For the past four years, the left has consistently misused and abused the so-called science.  But when it comes to alcohol, the right is just as guilty in its attempts to befuddle with convoluted studies about the potential benefits of drinking. Even those who drink know they’re probably better off when they don’t, but finding the data to prove drinking is not that bad offers many a justification for making poor choices.

I understand Republicans, and all freedom loving Americans, take issue with the suggestion that maybe we shouldn’t be imbibing as much as we do, especially when that “suggestion” comes from the government. After all, drinking has deep cultural roots in the United States. And these days, with our political and cultural life in such turmoil, it seems easier to drown our sorrows than to face our reality.

Even the quintessential virtue signaler, Governor Gavin Newsom, admitted the need to “self-medicate periodically” and called clean and sober “one of the biggest damn mistakes this country’s every made.” That may explain the state of California over the past four years.

The truth is, a few less drinks would probably do many Americans good, helping them shed some pounds while at the same time, becoming a little more sober and sane.

Many may be surprised to learn that the 45^th President possesses the virtue of abstinence and doesn’t touch the stuff. Which leads me to believe he exhibits more clarity on a daily basis than most politicians who subscribe to the Newsom school of thought. Trump once told a group of children at the White House “never take drugs, don’t drink alcohol, don’t smoke … enjoy your life, okay?” If we think that’s bad advice, we’re in more trouble than I thought.

Just like marijuana or cocaine, alcohol is a drug. Granted, a socially acceptable drug, but a drug nonetheless and one that has significant consequences including liver dysfunction, impaired judgement, and an increased chance of a slew of chronic diseases, including significant weight gain. Unless you are in the habit of running a 5k while chugging some brewskis, alcohol will be converted to and stored as sugar.

The pandemic only intensified Americans’ proclivity to hit the bottle as a way to soothe anxieties and discontent. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 60 percent of Americans increased their alcohol consumption during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Many drinkers contest they simply become happier or more honest when they drink. Or that they need their daily drink to relax and unwind and what’s wrong with that? Fair enough, but those who consistently imbibe often don’t remember what it feels like the next day without alcohol. Those who quit drinking report more mental clarity, better sleep, improved relationships, and heightened attention and performance. (READ MORE: Roberts and Milei Set Fire to Libs at Davos)

The trend of those that have become “sober curious” is on the uptick, particularly among Gen Z.  Many have voluntarily reduced their alcohol intake if not given it up completely upon experiencing the benefits of laying off the sauce.

A survey found that 41 percent of Americans plan to drink less alcohol in 2024, with 24 percent of men and 31 percent of women having stopped drinking due to alcohol-related problems.

I’m amazed at people who insist that alcohol doesn’t affect them at all or that drinking doesn’t alter their personality. A sober person will usually disagree with that assessment. Since that sober person is often me, I can tell you almost always, the imbiber doth protest too much.

I do not suggest that any government agency dictate to its citizens how much or little to drink. However, I am also not a libertarian. Good policy can and should incentivize commendable behavior that benefits society as a whole and discourage depraved or even dangerous behavior that strains the bonds of community. A couple of drinks with friends and family can certainly strengthen the ties that bind us, but as any alcoholic will tell you, it can also destroy relationships and lives. That line can be a fine one.

At the end of the day, keep in mind that the recommendations for alcohol consumption in the new 2025 guidelines are just that — recommendations. No one is coming to raid your liquor cabinet or steal your man cave keg. After years of lies, it’s refreshing to consider that our public health agencies might be trying to tell us the truth, even if it’s a bitter brew to swallow.

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