A major Spanish study backed by European funding is trying to settle one of the most hotly debated health questions of recent years: for regular drinkers, is it better to stop alcohol completely or stick to a ‘safe’ daily amount?
The project, known as UNATI (University of Navarra Alumni Trialist Initiative), is funded by the European Research Council and involves the Government of Navarra, the Instituto de Salud Carlos III and international academic collaborations including Harvard University.
More than 500 doctors, alongside nurses, psychologists and nutritionists, are actively participating.
The study is aimed at men over 50 and women over 55 who drink at least three alcoholic beverages per week and want to reflect on their consumption with professional support. Importantly, nobody is forced to quit.
Participants receive online health support every three months, covering areas such as diet, exercise, sleep, emotional wellbeing and alcohol use.
They complete regular self-assessments and receive personalised advice – but the approach is described as respectful and non-imposing.
Crucially, the decision about whether to pursue abstinence or moderation remains entirely with the individual.
The initial findings
The long-term goal is to recruit 10,000 regular drinkers. So far, more than 6,500 participants have been followed for a year, and the findings are striking.
Those who chose full abstinence ended up, in reality, reducing their alcohol consumption by 50%.
Those who opted for moderate drinking reduced their intake by 20%. The reductions were similar in both men and women.
Psychiatrist Guillermo Lahera, part of the research team, said the reductions were significant and expected to be sustained over time.
He explained that even brief professional advice focused on lifestyle factors – including nutrition, exercise and sleep – significantly lowered alcohol consumption, whether the goal was abstinence or moderation.
Researchers also report that many participants describe improvements in overall wellbeing, better sleep quality and a stronger sense of control over their habits. The emphasis, they say, is not just on drinking less but on living better.
Alcohol and health risks
The study is independent and receives no funding or influence from the alcohol industry.
Current scientific evidence links alcohol consumption to cancer, liver disease, digestive disorders, heart rhythm problems, cognitive decline, depression and road accidents. Alcohol is considered the leading risk factor for liver disease.
According to the researchers, reducing or eliminating alcohol is associated with clearer mental focus, improved sleep, better emotional regulation and, in some cases, easier weight loss.
However, the key question UNATI hopes to clarify is this: in older adults who are moderate drinkers, is complete abstinence better than maintaining a small amount, such as a glass of wine with meals?
Medical opinion in recent years has increasingly leaned towards abstinence, particularly because of the established link between alcohol and cancer, even at low levels of consumption. At the same time, some studies suggest possible cardiovascular advantages among light drinkers compared to those who abstain completely.
There is also the complex issue of mental health. Alcohol may provide short-term relaxation, but over the medium and long term it is associated with increased risks of anxiety, depression and cognitive decline.
For those who meet the criteria and are interested in taking part, the research team can be contacted directly via inscripcion.proyectounati.com.
