Revisiting: Drink-The New Science of Alcohol & Your Health with Dr. David Nutt

If you’re working to change your drinking habits and create a peaceful relationship with alcohol, you’re in the right place. In today’s episode, we revisit a very special conversation with internationally renowned neuropsychopharmacologist, Dr. David Nutt.

This episode originally aired when the podcast was still called Breaking the Bottle Legacy, but the message and insights are just as powerful—and relevant—today.

In this episode, Molly speaks with Dr. David Nutt, author of Drink? The New Science of Alcohol and Your Health. The conversation dives into the science behind alcohol’s impact on the brain and body, while also exploring how to make more informed, intentional choices about drinking.

Dr. Nutt shares:

• Why he wrote Drink?, and why science must inform our alcohol decisions
• The duality of alcohol: pleasure and poison
• His personal journey with alcohol, including owning a wine bar while being a leading voice in alcohol harm reduction
• How using science can help you assess the role of alcohol in your life and your long-term goals

Why This Episode Matters

Molly revisits this conversation as a holiday-season reminder: it’s possible to enjoy social events with alcohol while staying aligned with your goals. Dr. Nutt emphasizes the power of planning ahead, staying self-aware, and not drinking alone—core pillars of the Alcohol Minimalist approach.

If you’re seeking peace with alcohol—not necessarily abstinence—this episode delivers practical insights and validation that change is possible when you lead with knowledge and intention.

Resources Mentioned

• Book: Drink? The New Science of Alcohol and Your Health by Dr. David Nutt
• Website: mollywatts.com

Takeaways

• Alcohol is a drug—understanding that fact is key to moderation
• “Think about drink”: intentionality and self-reflection help you stay in control
• You can challenge past patterns and create a new story for yourself

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Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:

Healthy men under 65:

No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.

Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:
No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.

One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.

Abstinence from alcohol
Abstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.

Benefits of “low-risk” drinking
Following these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work.

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