So far so good. And to go along with our friendliness, we also like to think of ourselves as enjoying a drink or two with mates.

But current research is showing the impact those few drinks can have on our health and it is rather shocking. It is known that the safe upper limit of alcohol intake is two standard drinks a day and two days without drinking every week.

This new study points out that every drink over that cuts your life expectancy by 15 minutes, the same as smoking one cigarette.

Therefore, the more you drink the shorter your life will be and that will be compounded if you smoke as well. 

Problem drinking comes for many reasons. Alcoholism, depression and stress to name a few. But also, it may be just from habit.

Human beings love habits. We get home from work and grab a beer or glass of something else.

We think it helps us relax but it doesn’t.

It is the action of what we are doing and the signals that get sent to the brain that is the relaxing part, our anticipation and the fulfillment that makes us feel good.

But remember each drink over 10 standard drinks a week is harming you.

If you or a loved one has issues with alcohol talk to your health care provider.