The U.S. government recently released updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans that include new advice about alcohol. These changes are part of health advice that the government updates every five years, with the newest version released in early 2026.
What the New Guidelines Say
In past years, the U.S. said that women could have up to one drink per day and men could have up to two drinks per day if they chose to drink alcohol. But the new guidelines removed those specific daily limits. Now, the main message is that people should “consume less alcohol for overall better health.” There’s no fixed number of drinks in the new advice.
The change doesn’t mean alcohol is “healthy.” It’s simply because the government no longer lists a safe number of drinks per day. Instead, it focuses on general moderation and a healthy diet that includes better food choices.
Why Healthcare Providers Are Worried
Not all health experts agree with this change. Many doctors and public health groups are concerned for several reasons:
- Lack of clear limits. Without specific numbers, some people might think it’s okay to drink more than before. This could lead to more health problems.
- Alcohol and health risks. Many studies show that even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of cancer, liver disease, heart problems, and injuries. Research suggests drinking carries risk from the first drink and the risk goes up with more alcohol use.1
- Scientists wanted stronger warnings. Public health experts have recommended clearer messages, including possibly warning labels on alcohol that say alcohol causes cancer, similar to tobacco warnings.2
Some healthcare providers also worry that the changes were influenced more by the alcohol industry than by science, which could weaken the health message.
As a comparison, Canadian health authorities have shared a risk-based system that tells people how health risks change with how much alcohol they drink:3
- 0 drinks per week — safest for health
- Up to 2 drinks per week — lowest risk of harm
- 3–6 drinks per week — risk goes up more
- 7 or more drinks per week — risk of serious problems goes up a lot
- More than 2 drinks at one time increases risk of injury, violence, or accidents
- No alcohol is safest during pregnancy or breastfeeding
This shows a clear scale of risk — from no drinking at all to higher risk — so people can see how their drinking might affect their health.
In the U.S., the removal of drink-specific targets leaves American adults without clear numbers to guide their daily drinking choices. Some healthcare professionals find this to be less helpful for preventing harm.
What This Means for You and Your Family
If you choose to drink alcohol, these guidelines mean it’s important to:
- Understand that any amount of drinking carries some risk.
- Keep any alcohol locked up to help prevent underage drinking.
- Talk with a doctor if you have questions about drinking and your health.
In other words, health experts still agree that drinking less is better for your health — even if the exact wording and approach are changing. Learn more about alcohol, its relationship to cancer and other health risks, and how to reduce the harms around drinking in our Alcohol Resource Center.