Is it OK to binge-drink around the holidays?

I do not drink often, but I like to partake a little more than usual around the holidays.

- Caroline Hopkins Legaspi

Is it okay to have more than a drink or two every once in a while?While the term “binge-drinking” might conjure thoughts of college parties and tequila shots, three glasses of wine and a hot toddy at Thanksgiving also count.

United States federal health officials define binge-drinking as four or more drinks on one occasion for women, and five or more for men.

Most people know that binge-drinking, especially when it is frequent, is dangerous for health. But is it still risky if you drink rarely, or not at all, for most of the year? The New York Times asked a few experts who study alcohol for their take.

LONG-TERM RISKS

When you drink alcohol, your body turns it into a toxic substance called acetaldehyde, which can damage DNA throughout your body - including in your mouth, throat, liver, colon and breasts. Each time your body repairs its DNA, cancerous mutations may arise, raising the risk for at least seven types of cancer.

Many of these harms develop with repeated drinking over the years, said Professor Denis McCarthy from the University of Missouris Department of Psychological Sciences, who studies how alcohol influences behaviour.