Moderate Alcohol Consumption and Health

Moderate alcohol consumption in recent decades continually causes a split among alcohol researchers. Many epidemiological studies have revealed cardiovascular health benefits and longer life expectancy for those who consume alcohol in moderation than those who abstain. However, the nature of alcohol, its role on human sufferings has generated disagreements in the scientific community. Analysis of the results of early studies advocating better health for moderate drinkers reveals discrepancies that might explain previous findings. Evaluation of risks/benefits of moderate alcohol consumption reveals detrimental effects on health. There is lack of knowledge in understanding how primary care providers (PCPs) perceive the health risks/benefits of alcohol when consumed moderately and subsequently what they recommend to patients. The purpose of this book therefore is to evaluate the phenomenon understudy in order to develop a substantive theory that explains the experiences of PCPs as they interact with patients in a Midwestern city of the United States.