Alcohol has been used and abused for generations. Previous attempts to make alcohol drinking illegal have failed miserably. There is a constant desire to use alcohol by humans who drink it for various reasons.
Most of us are well aware that alcohol can cause momentary lapse of judgment which can result in acts of irresponsibility. Sometimes this results in loss of limb or life.
Small amount of alcohol (one to two drinks) intake per day is known to reduce sickness and death from coronary artery disease. It makes the blood thinner and reduces the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Excessive abuse of alcohol causes cirrhosis of liver, liver failure and pancreatitis. These are very serious conditions. It can cause gastritis and bleeding which can be life threatening if not brought under control immediately. On a long term basis it causes cancer of the esophagus, breast and other cancers.
Alcohol is very heavy in useless calories. Alcohol abuse during pregnancy causes fetal alcohol syndrome in the new born.
Alcoholism is considered a disease. It is a compulsive addictive behavior. About 10 per cent of the population is addicted to it. Alcohol is a drug with complex behavioral effects. It causes traffic or work related accidents. It is a major cause of death and disability. It destroys a person’s personal life, family life and capacity to earn a decent living.
Unfortunately, the good side of alcohol is sometimes abused by individuals who get addicted to it. Therefore physicians are reluctant to encourage or promote alcohol as a panacea for major health problems.
Critics of alcohol use say that much of the protective effect gained from alcohol use in coronary artery disease can be achieved by other means – exercise, diet, avoiding smoking and control of cholesterol level.
We can maintain a happy and healthy life style without the use of alcohol. And finally, there are many economic advantages in not using alcohol. So save money, avoid useless calories and remain sane by not drinking alcohol.
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