Current evidence suggests that moderate drinking is associated with a lower risk for coronary heart disease in some individuals. However, higher levels of alcohol intake raise the risk for high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, certain cancers, accidents, violence, suicides, birth defects, and overall mortality. Too much alcohol may cause cirrhosis of the liver, inflammation of the pancreas, and damage to the brain and heart. Heavy drinkers also are at risk of malnutrition because alcohol contains calories that may substitute for those in more nutritious foods. People like children, pregnant women, on the job skilled workers, individuals using prescription and over the counter medications should not drink alcoholic beverages at all. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation, with meals, and when consumption does not put you or others at risk.