One Less | Vermont Department of Health

One Less | Vermont Department of Health
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One Less
One Less
Drinking less alcohol can benefit your health
Every glass of wine, beer, or cocktail adds up.
Each drink puts you at risk for over 200 health conditions
, including heart issues, stroke, high blood pressure, dementia, and many cancers. But consistently having one less can go a long way to reducing your risk.
Drinking less alcohol, either on an occasion or over time, can have positive effects on your health, quality of life and safety.
Short-Term Benefits of Having One Less
Drinking less alcohol can have immediate health benefits.
Better Sleep
Drinking less alcohol can improve the quality of your sleep
and make you feel more refreshed in the morning. Alcohol disrupts sleeping patterns
Better Mental Health
Drinking to cope with stress, anxiety or depression can have the opposite effect. Alcohol is a depressant and can
make mental health issues like depression and anxiety worse
.
Better Weight Management
The calories in alcohol add up.
Drinking less alcohol can help you better manage your weight
and reduce bloating.
Better Skin Hydration
Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration, flushing, dryness and reduced elasticity in your skin. It could also make skin conditions worse.
Drinking less can help your skin feel fresh and hydrated.
Long-Term Benefits of Having One Less
Drinking less alcohol can have lasting health benefits.
Decreased Risk of Dementia
Drinking too much alcohol too often can cause alcohol-related dementia.
Learn more about
moderate drinking guidelines
to avoid excess drinking.
Decreased Blood Pressure
Research shows that
every single drink, even one a day, can increase blood pressure over the years
.
Decrease Risk of Heart Disease
Even one glass a day (or 6-7 drinks a week) can increase risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke and heart failure.
Decreased Risk of Cancer
Alcohol is one of the most preventable risk factors for cancer
(e.g. prostate, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon).
Decreased Health Risks for Women
Even with fewer alcoholic drinks, women are at greater risk for health issues compared to men.
Women who drink develop liver disease, cardiomyopathy and nerve damage after fewer years than men who do the same.
Alcohol is a major risk factor for breast cancer
, and risk increases with each unit of alcohol consumed per day.
Learn more at You First.
You shouldn't drink alcohol if you are:
Younger than 21
Pregnant or may be pregnant
Driving, planning to drive, or participating in activities requiring skill, coordination and alertness
Taking certain medications that can interact with alcohol
Living with certain medical conditions
In recovery
Get help having One Less or stopping drinking.
Available 24/7/365 - It's free and confidential
VT Helplink
Take the Quiz
Alcohol Screening
Check Your Drinking
CDC Drink Less. Be Your Best.
There are a number of apps available for your phone to help track your alcohol use and help you reduce or quit drinking alcohol.
Try searching "alcohol" in your digital app finder.
Learn More About Alcohol and Your Health
Alcohol Information
Alcohol & Breast & Cervical Cancer (You First)
Alcohol & Brain Health & Dementia
CDC Drink Less, Be Your Best
Contact Us!
Substance Use Programs (DSU)
Vermont Department of Health
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8340
802-651-1550
[email protected]
Subscribe to One Less
Last Updated:
April 1, 2026