Originally Posted by
NathanC
I have no problem with anything you just said. All those related studies seem only look at the moderate consumption of alcohol v. abuse of alcohol purely on a health level. What about all the other anguish that comes from the abuse of alcohol; violence, marriage breakdown, economic loss etc. Do these studies take that into account?
you missed the 3 that said on net, taking into account the ngatives, its a positive health benefit.
As for economic loss, you'd have to do an analysis of all the positive impact to GDP from bars, restaurnats, distilleries, wineries, wine based tourism etc., against some lost productivity form hangovers. My bet is the economic production of the alcohol industry covers a fair number of hangovers. Also just think of the loss to the titty bar industry if the patrons were sober.
As for anquish, home wrecking etc., you've got to weigh that against the pleasure that millions of people who don't abuse alcohol get from wine at a family meal, the social interaction lubricated with alcohol, the joy of awedding day champagne toast, etc.
On balance, Society has come to a judgment, the responsible use of alcohol has sufficient benefits that we're not going to prohibit it to avoid some of the negatives.
You can decide its not for you, but arguing that it's bad in general and others should abstain is simply tilting at windmills.