In most cases, drinking alcohol in moderation is okay for someone with high cholesterol. In fact, research studies on alcohol and high cholesterol have shown that HDL cholesterol (the "good cholesterol") can be raised by about 4 mg/dL with moderate alcohol consumption. On the other hand, drinking too much alcohol, while it does not seem to increase "bad cholesterol," will increase triglycerides and can harm the liver, brain, and heart. Also, people who consume alcohol and take high cholesterol medicine should be aware that alcohol can worsen side effects of such medications, like drowsiness.