What are the risks of heavy or at-risk drinking? Published Oct. 13, 2012 439th Airlift Wing WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- You may have heard that regular light to moderate drinking can be good for the heart. With heavy or at-risk drinking however, any potential benefits are outweighed by greater risks, including Injuries. Drinking too much increases your chances of being injured or even killed. Alcohol is a factor, for example, in about 60% of fatal burn injuries, drownings, and homicides; 50% of severe trauma injuries and sexual assaults; and 40% of fatal motor vehicle crashes, suicides, and fatal falls. Health problems. Heavy drinkers have a greater risk of liver disease, heart disease, sleep disorders, depression, stroke, bleeding from the stomach, sexually transmitted infections from unsafe sex, and several types of cancer. They may have problems managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and other conditions. Birth defects. Drinking during pregnancy can cause brain damage and other serious problems in the baby. Because it is not yet known whether any amount of alcohol is safe for a developing baby, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not drink. Alcohol use disorders. Generally known as alcoholism and alcohol abuse, alcohol use disorders are medical conditions that doctors can diagnose when a patient's drinking causes distress or harm. In the United States, about 18 million people have an alcohol use disorder. Also, heavy drinking increases the risk of adverse effects on your Air Force career such as a court-martial, Article 15, demotion, discharge and reprimands.