Make no mistake… alcohol is deadly. Very deadly.
We have always made a point to make everyone aware that we do not have a problem with alcohol. Alcohol has existed for at least 10,000 years. We are by no means taking a position that alcohol should be abolished, or that if you drink alcohol you are doing something wrong. Everyone has the right to make their own choices.
We just want to make people aware of the truth…
1 – Alcohol Kills More Than All Drugs Combined
While the “War on Drugs” portrays the message that drugs like heroin and cocaine are the dangers, it fails to mention that alcohol contributes to 100,000 deaths per year, while all other drugs combine to contribute to 20,000 deaths per year.
Alcohol is especially cruel because it kills people slowly. Most alcohol related deaths are due to liver problems that occur after years of alcohol use. In most cases, alcohol leads to three types of liver problems.
1 – Fatty Liver Disease is the build up of extra fat in liver cells. Almost all heavy drinkers have fatty liver disease. However if you quit drinking, the liver can heal itself and the fatty liver disease will go away.
2 – Alcohol Hepatitis causes the liver to swell and become damaged. Alcohol hepatitis can be mild to severe. Up to 35% of heavy drinkers develop alcoholic hepatitis. If it is severe, it may occur suddenly and lead to serious complications including liver failure and death.
3 – Alcoholic Cirrhosis is the scaring of the liver which leads to poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.
When we look at the short term dangers of a drug, heroin and crack cocaine are the most acutely dangerous. However, when we combine social, financial and long term effects of alcohol compared to heroin and crack, alcohol is by far more negatively impacting.
A study done by Lancet shows peer reviewed data on these findings.
MCDA modelling showed that heroin, crack cocaine, and metamfetamine were the most harmful drugs to individuals (part scores 34, 37, and 32, respectively), whereas alcohol, heroin, and crack cocaine were the most harmful to others (46, 21, and 17, respectively). Overall, alcohol was the most harmful drug (overall harm score 72), with heroin (55) and crack cocaine (54) in second and third places.
2 – Drunk People Do Crazy Things
To say that drunk people do crazy things is a very broad statement and not backed by fact. Fact based reporting is important but for a second I would like everyone to look at their own experience.
How many times have you seen drunk groups of people (usually men) get in brawls? How many times have you heard of families being killed by drunk drivers? How many girls have been raped or beaten when their attacker had been drunk?
When considering all of the scenarios, alcohol does more damage than anything else.
Now for the facts.
The Damage Caused By Drunk Driving
CDC.gov reports that…
- In 2012, 10,322 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third (31%) of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.
- Of the 1,168 traffic deaths among children ages 0 to 14 years in 2012, 239 (20%) involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
- Of the 239 child passengers ages 14 and younger who died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2012, over half (124) were riding in the vehicle with the alcohol-impaired driver.
- In 2010, over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. That’s one percent of the 112 million self-reported episodes of alcohol-impaired driving among U.S. adults each year.
- Drugs other than alcohol (e.g., marijuana and cocaine) are involved in about 18% of motor vehicle driver deaths. These other drugs are often used in combination with alcohol.
The Relationship Between Alcohol and Sexual Assault
Conservative estimates of sexual assault prevalence suggest that 25 percent of American women have experienced sexual assault, including rape. Approximately one-half of those cases involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, victim, or both. Alcohol contributes to sexual assault through multiple pathways, often exacerbating existing risk factors. Beliefs about alcohol’s effects on sexual and aggressive behavior, stereotypes about drinking women, and alcohol’s effects on cognitive and motor skills contribute to alcohol-involved sexual assault.
One half of sexual assaults involve alcohol. Those are very alarming statistics. Yet alcohol is celebrated within our culture. There is infinitely more money spent on TV advertising than money spent on sexual assault awareness and education courses.
The Relationship Between Alcohol and Violence
It is so easy for people to label addicts. We see young kids on the street and we call them junkies or losers. The criminalization of addiction presents its own unique set of problems, because many drug addicts are put in prison for victimless crimes. Many times drug addicts are locked away for non violent acts. Alcohol however, creates a hotbed for violence.
- Alcohol contributes to 2/3 in spousal abuse cases. (That’s a fancy way to say that lots of men get drunk and beat up their wives of kids)
- Published studies suggest that as many as 86% of homicide offenders, 37% of assault offenders, 60% of sexual offenders, up to 57% of men and 27% of women involved in marital violence, and 13% of child abusers were drinking at the time of the offense. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 1997.
- Alcohol availability is closely related to violent assaults. Communities and neighborhoods that have more bars and liquor stores per capita experience more assaults.
3 – Alcohol Use is Celebrated
For the sake of misinterpretation, let it be said once more that Sober Nation is not anti drinking. We are by no means claiming that people who drink are bad people. We are simply pointing out the contradiction of criminalizing people who are addicted to drugs like heroin and even marijuana, while simultaneously celebrating alcohol use. That doesn’t make any sense.
Anheuser-Busch spends $1.2 Billion dollars a year on TV advertising alone. Pressure to drink while socializing is very real, and is felt by everyone. Alcohol is by far the most abused drug in America. The problems we have listed are just the tip of the iceberg as to the dangers of alcohol.
Beer companies spend a great deal of time and effort painting the picture that alcohol is necessary for a good time. Although difficult to quantify, know that this mindset keeps thousands of people from admitting they have a problem and getting the help they need. We know this because we talk to these people and their families, every day.
What’s The Point??
This is a difficult topic for us. It is not the responsibility of beer companies to fix these problems. They make a product and abide to business law and have the right to market and profit just like anyone else. The point is not to degrade alcohol companies or alcohol drinkers.
The point is to try and build some awareness. Alcohol isn’t like it is in the commercials. Most, if not all drinkers can easily recall experiences with vomiting, violence, blackouts, rape and homicide.
If we can somehow help people understand the truth behind alcohol, than maybe people would respect it more. Maybe people would know that two beers is better than 20, and that enjoying life is not dependent upon a bottle of vodka.
is this article fucking serious? Go write about something that will help kids today. Not harm them into thinkng something innocent is bad and that something bad is not that bad. What are you? Fucking morons?
You are the fucking moron,,, my sister killed herself because of alcohol, don’t tell me it’s innocent!
johni allen your sister killed herself because of alcohol cause she didn’t know what drinking in moderation meant she probably had more then she could handle which means she that she drank to the point where she where she became didn’t know what she was doing and thinking or she probably drank often. alcohol becomes a problem when the person drinks way too much of it and drinks it often cause alcohol has been proven to have plenty of health benefits plus can be used for tons of other things such as a natural house cleaner and disinfecting wounds. it’s the person who is dangerous not the alcohol itself cause if u don’t drink alcohol or drink it very rarely or in moderation it causes no actual harm to u if u are a healthy person but it becomes dangerous if the person themselves chooses to abuse alcohol by drinking way too much of it like it’s candy and drinks it often.
You need to study the disease of Alcoholism!
Agree!!!! I am an alcoholic, but I didn’t even know what that meant for a very long time. It’s not just a word to gloss over. It is a serious disease, just like cancer. Go do your studying before you write a book on the subject.
Your spelling, grammar, and general comprehension of the stats in the article are quite atrocious. Maybe you’re in denial of your own drinking problem?
I agree
I am also a Corp. order, and there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing someone who cannot spell, does not know when a period is necessary or when a comma is needed, or just simple punctuation. It is so annoying. How old are you?
Why are you even on something called ‘sober nation’? Go away.
Thanks Doctor. You gotta stop talking when you know NOTHING. Talk to ANY doctor or professional addictions RN or anyone who is a dry alcoholic.
????????
Right on.
choice huh….
Alcohol is poison in our society. You cannot defend it. It is by far the worst drug in the world. FACT
Unfortunately a lot of people are uneducated & ignorant when it comes the disease of alcoholism & when it comes to this deadly class 4 narcotic called alcohol. The only reason it’s still leagal is because of the sin tax that the government collects on…which is sickening. Sorry about your sister ….have faith she’s in a better place.
Alan58 asks ….. Why did you read it ….???
Just because it’s legal, doesn’t mean it’s good for you. In fact, alcohol withdrawal is right up there with heroin withdrawal. I’ve met cocaine/heroin addicts who have been using for 30+ years and they’re still functional.
The alcoholics I’ve met always had it worse than any heroin/coke/weed addict.
Alcohol is far and away the worst & most dangerous drug in the world, legal or illegal.
Go look at the web address of the page you are on… Why are you even on something called ‘sober nation’? Go away.
I have personally witnessed too many lives destroyed by alcohol… It’s usually the family, friends, and particularly children of an alcoholic who suffer the most. Anyone affected by alcohol will tell you that IT IS “fucking serious” so consider yourself extremely fortunate that you have not had the experience of dealing with one…
Iv been sober going on 8 yrs an iv never felt better in my health an wallet…but it’s still a very very nasty drug that’s legal to drink an drive an go crazy fighting killings an raps..the government knows that but money talks…but in reality it’s your choice to mess up your life with alcohol..in time it just gets worse cause some people get addicted to it very quickly…it kills 80,000 people every month an smoking kills 60,000 people a month aswell..so keep drinking for the people in denial that’s the only reason there getting upset when you put down alcohol is either your an alcoholic yourself or your a drinker..lol peace
Smartgirl? You are an oxymoron.
I’m sorry this really upset me ,, I even see typos I was shaking in frustration I apologize to the rest of you amazing people that was for ironically ” smart girl ” lol I can’t even say more .. Wow is all I got left poor girl
My oldest Brother never did a ‘ drug ‘ in his life. He graduated High school with honors at the age of 17, 2 year degree by 19, won a state contest for his speech writing ability at the age of 15, appeared on TV, worked at the 21 club in New York, and was in management at the Hilton Hotel in Puerto Rico in his early 20s. He was friends with Mervyn Griffin, Betty White, and a number of other you famous celebrities. He owned a restaurant in Vancouver, British. Columbia. He was self taught and fluent in Spanish. He always seemed to have a promising future. Alcohol always got in the way. John passed in his middle sixties after rears of confinement in his apartment overlooking the East River in Manhattan. Alcohol may be just fine for most. But there is a percentage of people whose lives are destroyed by it every day
Surly you can’t be serious?
Alcohol is poison!! People are socially conditioned from a young age to believe that drugs are bad but alcohol is as what you’ve just used termed as ‘innocent’
Start doing research about the effects on alcohol compared to drugs such as weed and psychedelic drugs (acid, mushrooms etc.)
If anything i think alcohol should be made illegal.
Also ….. still don’t understand how weed is still illegal in most countries and yet alcohol isn’t lmao
Moral of the story DO YOUR RESEARCH and actually READ into alcohol 🙂
Thanks for that, it is well known in recovery, that alcohol does more harm then drugs, yet drugs are illegal
actually alcohol has proven to have health benefits if u drink it in moderation plus it also has other benefits such as being a natural cleaning product and disinfects wounds. it’s the person not the alcohol that makes it a bad thing.
The fact is that some people are alcoholics and some are not. I feel that this is just explaining that if you can not handle a drink or two, or normal drinking.. If you are an alcoholic you should be aware of the risks. This reading is not directed at the casual drinker.. Although its obvious they too can learn something from it if they only open their mind. Some people are addicts some are not. This is just stating the facts of alcoholism.
Truth be known….I drank all my life with ZERO problems and Zero DUI’s and then one day it took over…..If you are not an alcoholic you will always be ignorant and idealogically unable to understanding…
your reaction makes it sounds like this is a touchy subject for you…
drugs are bad mmmmmmkay, it’s just saying alcohol is too. Our gov’s make $ $ $ from alcohol, the main reason it’s “Legal.
The culture of drinking in society is hypocritical. It is more dangerous and harmful than ALL illicit drugs combined.
” Go write about something that will help kids today”
I think its you who is definetly the fucking moron.
Well said
Stop drinking you fucking moron. Idiot
This article is the truth. 19 yrs of soberity best choice. Most of my friends are desd or disabled in some form if alcohol abuse. And drugs. Trust me. 12 step saved my life. Fir the guy who says sober nation are morans. He does not get it. Look at my fellow baltimorean micheal phelps. Gold medal swimming champ. Ut does not discriminate.
your friends are dead or disabled cause they abused alcohol which means which means if they didn’t abuse alcohol then they wouldn’t be disabled and still alive. it’s people who are at fault not alcohol cause the person does not no when to stop cause they don’t want to listen to their body and cause they drink way too often. a drink or two here and their is not bad for u it can actually be good for u especially if it’s wine unless u have a health issue that makes it so that u can’t drink alcohol at all.
This is a very uneducated thing to say. Yes come drinks that have alcohol in them can be good for you, but with too much consumed it can be deadly It is not that people “don’t know when to stop”, it is an addiction and they just can’t stop. And as this article is trying to say, it is highly addictive. Learn the facts before you make such an ignorant comment.
Methinks the lady doth protest too much
It hurt me when people are so illiterate and ass backwards. That tgey cannot comprehend . Go back to school and start englidh lit class. Please sober bation is informative. It does save kids life. Worked in mental healh I watch kids die from overdose. Street drugs. Alcohol young as 12 yrs old. So before anyone. Go spewing nonsense about. How good drugs are. Learn .read don’t sell your soul. Because if you keep using . Drinking. You will. On that note..peace.
You sound to me like your a real bitter person with a small vocabulary . Alcoholism is serious disease and the suffering alcoholic need serious help. I know as I am a recovering alcoholic and did most everything talked about in the article of the than to kill someone altho that was close . Quit glamorizing the use of alcohol and showing what a wonderful time can be had while drinking, show it like it really is. Take a good look at it and tell me how much fun your really having, I’ll pray for you.
alcohol is not a disease. u ended up an alcoholic cause u couldn’t control yourself nor did u ever listen to your body and what it tried to tell u when u drank too much of it. their is a little thing called drinking in moderation meaning a glass or two of alcohol here and their especially wine does not harm u. the real problem isn’t alcohol itself it’s people like u who abuse alcohol that is the problem.
You believe alcoholism is not a disease because you are not impacted by alcohol. Try living with someone that is an alcoholic or be one yourself and you will understand it is a disease. My father, brother, husband and brother-in-law are all alcoholics. Different types of alcoholism but alcoholics none the less. They did wakeup one day have to much to drink and bam became Alcoholics that couldn’t control the amount of alcohol they drank. It is a progressive disease that takes over your mind and body. The alcoholic can’t function without the alcohol in their body. It damages the mind, the body and those around them. Since you can’t understand the disease why don’t you learn first then speak? Let the recovering or still suffering alcoholics use this information to help them with their experience, strength and hope to overcome the daily need to consume alcohol. Or do you just enjoy picking a faceless fight where you don’t have to look the person you are attacking in the face and you can shout out your rhetoric? Remember none of our perfect and at some time will have to battle some disease whether it is physical, emotional or social wouldn’t be nice to have someone supporting you when that happens. Articles such as this play a huge role in the recovering alcoholics life.
Stfu it is proven that alcoholism is a disease you moron. Educate yourself before making that statement. It is a disease of the brain!
alcoholism is a proven disease relating to some peoples bodies dont break down alcohol the same as others its there biological make up, not because they dont listen to there body, a persons body turns alcohol to aceteldahyde then into urine who hasnt got alcoholism, a person with alcoholism which isnt there choice or fault, there body breaks it down to acetaldihyde then some comes out in urine, but the difference is a small percentage converts differentl from acetaldihyde before urime into a chemical called terohydroisoquinniline…t.h.i.q, this stores in the brain and is 6 times more addictive than pure opiate…heroine it has been proven…so an alcoholic doesnt choose to become alcoholic its a biological difference in there bodys chemistry theyvare born with, people who dont know the truthh aboit alcoholism are simply lacking knowledge or pig ignorant or judgmental fucktards, heroine and crack generally doesnt cause physical damage or deaths as much as alcohol does and the media and bad publicity drugs have are largely falsified…..alcohol and diazepam are the only drugs which can kill you from withdrawels too, i could go on forever but youll always get some jumped up small minded little idiot that doesnt know reality of the fact that although drugs are illigal alcohol is the worst drug in existance next to nicoteen and there legal as it makes money and is pertrayed to be ok……
Lady your a form of alcoholic specially if you drink nightly or by yourself. You clearly are in denial. I really hope at some point you open your close mind and realize addictions and mental disorders are real.
Thank you So Much for writing this article!!! I have been wanting to write this same type of point form article showing the massive effect that alcohol abuse has and to highlight the unnecessary nature of it. In my area it’s almost taboo to criticize alcohol and yet it’s impact is devestating. I hope this is a wake up call to many people and never mind about those that are so attached to drinking that they are lashing out at this excellent article. Thank you again!!!
that is alcohol abuse that does damage and that isn’t the alcohols fault it’s the person fault for not knowing when to stop or how much they can drink before they become way to impaired to think straight and can’t remember a thing the next day. ask people who drink in moderation if alcohol is bad for u and they will say no and they will say that it gives health benefits which it actually does. also everything including water can be fad for u if u have way to much of it. also this article isn’t is saying facts that are just linked to alcohol abuse and saying that the alcohol abuse facts also apply to people who drink in moderation. people are the problem not alcohol itself know how much u can drink and don’t drink it often.
I hate to discredit ur philosophy, the actual truth is that an alcoholic is the last person time know that they have a problem. Unfortunately they normally find the hard way like DUI wrecking their car (which will get u the first one also), killing someone or killing themselves. A true alcohol cannot control their drinking, their mind functions are changed with the first drink. They cannot control the amount consumed because the brain wants more and more. The first drink an alcoholic takes is the one that gets them drunk. Believe me my experience has held me captive for years. I was luck I only lost two houses, 3 cars 2 wives and 2 kids because of drinking. Monitarily about $500,000 worth and I didn’t know I had a problem. I went through treatment and still didn’t think I had a problem. Unfortunately I went back out and proved to myself that I definitely was an alcoholic. People can say all they want about controlling their intake, it does not work for an alcoholic. We are screwed up people and need continuous support to stay sober. I have been sober for over 25 years and I still take part in meetings and sponsorship and service work a minimum of two to 4 days a week. Outside people can never understand why an alcoholic is an alcoholic. Chucked can sometimes help but they rarely succeed. That’s also one of primary reasons that many churches are very willing for meetings to be held in their church because the have learned that AA works and they can direct problem parishioners to those meetings. You might want to reconsider what your viewpoint is on the subject.
ralph u may be right about a few points but if people used self control, drank responsibly and in moderation from the very first day they started drinking alcohol then they would have never became an alcoholic in first place cause drinking in moderation and responsibly does not make one become an alcoholic nor does it make them drunk right of the bat also u would still know what u are doing and still can remember things the next day. people are the ones who turn themselves into an alcoholics cause they don’t think and plan before they drink,they let their self control go right out the window and allow other people to convince them to keep on drinking until they pass out.
also this article isn’t just talking about how dangerous drinking is for u if u binge drink it’s talking about how alcohol is dangerous no matter what which isn’t true it’s only true int the sense that it’s dangerous if u binge drink cause binge drinking is what makes u become an alcoholic in the first place while drinking in moderation does not and will not turn u into an alcoholic it will actually improve your health and life.
also this article is also saying it’s more dangerous then drugs but in reality drugs get u hooked after your very first use alcohol does not get u hooked after your very first use.
Sounds like you may be an alcoholic in denial yourself. Lmao. Or simply not an addict and cant understand. Go to an al anon meeting and open your mind. Do you think its not heroin and it is the people who use it? Do you really believe there is no such thing as addiction
. and that the millions who suffer from it everyday all are just fucked up people who cant control themselves?
Sounds like you may be an alcoholic in denial yourself. Lmao. Or simply not an addict and cant understand. Go to an al anon meeting and open your mind. Do you think its not heroin and it is the people who use it? Do you really believe there is no such thing as addiction
. and that the millions who suffer from it everyday all are just screwed up people who cant control themselves?
Also, my mother is not an alcoholic yet has drank a couple nights a week, a couple beers each time and gone weeks or months in between without drinking at all.. and now has fatty liver.. & Thats not even from abusing it.
The site is called sobernation.. If you are so against sobriety you probably should check out a different site.. This one isnt for you.
Yeah, really, that idiot velovan should go find a website that doesn’t have the word “sober in it, lol.
Velovan you are an idiot, an ignorant idiot!
Alcohol can make people do dangerous things but it is not more dangerous than heroin. It is possible to drink alcohol in moderation, and not have it negatively impact your life. Heroin is a highly addictive drug that impacts everyone and everything around the user. Only reason the numbers are so high is deaths is because most of the population drinks. There is a small percentage of abstinent non drinkers and recovering alcoholics, but even if it is celebration… most of the world drinks.
You’re right Matthew, People can possibly drink alcohol in moderation to avoid being drunk and do crazy things. Binge drinking is really dangerous it can cause death due to excessive alcohol use. So drink moderately to prevent you from the negative effects of alcoholism.
what about pharmaceuticals and gps handing out tablet opiates like sweeties, all the people addicted to morphine, pain killers, etc, etc there drug addicts and dont even realise, heroine actually if not abused or mixed with other chemicals is not dangerous unless injected it actually is highly doubtfull to kill anyone, crack cocaine is just cocaine with all the rubbish filtered out of it so crack is acyually cleaner than cocaine but again the media portray it as bad, and people dont have the knowledge and think cocaines glamorous and the funny thing is alcohol is more dangerous compared to cocaine even in moderation, i personally know alcohol and nicoteen are the most lethal and damaging compared to illicit drugs, but alcohol makes the powers that be money …whys there a beer off on every corner a bookies on every corner, most violent crimes and deatjs are alcohol related…people believe what they read or hear on the news, what they dont know is the real truths…wake up people …cannabis can cure cancer in liquid form for example but the government hides the reality from people as they make too much money from prescription drugs, anyway im tired so ill leave it there as just rambling and peoples lack of open mindedness and resewrch or there ignorance is a shame morfull small minded blindfolded robots
Only because one can obtain it legally on every block is it as dangerous if not more dangerous than heroin. Most heroin addicts don’t shoot up and drive.
This is a wonderful article that explains the facts in a simple way. I think education about alcohol use is very much lacking in this world. Both sides of my family going back at least 60 years have had severe problems with alcohol abuse. My mother died of abuse. I have damaged my body because of it for years, now 6 months sober. I think people need to learn when to have fun and when to say the party is over. It’s a tough tough thing to deal with. I thank god for my sobriety, a depth of life has returned to my life.
Congratulations my friend, keep sober and well!
Thanks for this brutally honest article! It is quite obvious that all of us, especially our young community, will learn, benefit, and be better off for this knowledge and the reality of alcohol. It will probably even save lives. For the completely ignorant folks who knocked the article, shame on you. I’ve known those types are the either in denial of there own addictions or haven’t lost a loved one yet, to alcohol/drugs. In addition, I understand why it’s hard for a drug user to think alcohol isn’t more dangerous and deadly however from what I have seen and witnessed for the past 25 years of alcoholism & addiction and through the past 4.5 years of recovery, alcohol is by far, the most destructive substance in existence!
the facts this article is point out is facts about alcohol addiction not drinking alcohol in moderation cause if u drink alcohol in moderation it’s proven to actually give u health benefits and harms u in no way at all. also alcohol has multitude of uses from being used as a natural cleaner for the house to saving lives and keeping people healthy by being used to disinfect wounds.
You’re trying awfully hard to make a case for drinking. I am not an alcoholic and I rarely drink, but I’ve been affected by alcoholics and I know one when I see one. I don’t go out of my way to argue the benefits of alcohol or to say “hey if you only have one drink a month, when you go out to dinner, it’s OK!!!!”
“I didn’t get in trouble every time I drank, but every time I got in trouble I had been drinking.” That’s a quote from a recovering alcoholic at a meeting I attended. It was greeted by nods of agreement from everyone in the room.
I have seen alcohol contribute to death, suicide, broken relationships, broken families, huge money problems, careless spending, lost jobs, incompetency in a job, accidents, serious health issues, out of control, idiotic behavior….what’s good about it?
those issues u described are people who don’t know their limitation on how much they can drink before bad things start happening and the people who drink it way to often also known as alcohol abuse. if u drink alcohol especially wine in moderation and know your limitation on how much u can drink when u do drink then it actually has benefits and does not harm u and those benefits are natural antioxidants which can protect and lower the risk of numerous diseases such as heart problems and diabetes , helps kill bad bacteria in your mouth,reduction of stress,may offer invaluable relaxation, it can be used as a natural household cleaning product, it can be used to disinfect wounds an those are only some of the health benefits that alcohol has if u drink it in moderation. also everything u eat and drink including water can be bad for your health if u have way too much of it.
Some one the payroll of the alcohol lobby. There are numerous medical studies that came to the conclusion that alcohol in any form is a risk for a series of diseases if ingested by a human being. No one is disputing it’s value as a cleaning substance or a disinfectant. What science has proved beyond doubt is there are no benefits at all from the consumption of any form or version of alcohol, i.e. Wine. It’s all a smoke screen to cover the profits that these companies make. This individual is just being paid for what he writes, or more than likely it is just out to prove that all addicts are just stupid people…in that case he is just seeing himself in the mirror….
Alcohol is addictive. Alcohol destroys lives – the abusers and their children and spouses, bothers and sisters. If you use alcohol responsibly and are not at risk of addiction you are not part of this issue. But please, don’t profess to understand how it affects others. It’s not hard to imagine that your careless opinion would change if your child was killed by a drunk driver.
As soon as I saw this long post and the constant use of “u” I knew it was going to be a defensive post from someone with a drinking problem.
I find it interesting that when a guy and girl have physical relations while drunk, the girl is not legal to give consent…well if the guy is drunk as well why is he liable for consent?
While I agree that Alcohol is extremely dangerous. Haven’t done the research but I am sure it would prove out that Nicotine in the form of tobacco has taken more lives that all other drugs combined.
alcohol is only dangerous if u abuse it but if u drink it in moderation then it’s actually not dangerous and beneficial to your health especially wine and beer.
define moderation and cite your sources. What benefits are you referring to? If wine and beer are the specific agents which are beneficial to health, it must not be the ethanol in them that is providing benefit since vodka and whiskey have the very same ethanol. Why then, is one form more “beneficial” than others? Ethanol is TOXIC to the heart. Even tiny amounts of ethanol are toxic to myocardial cells and nerve cells. Ethanol has zero positive health effects. None. If my patients choose to use it to improve their existential pain or to make their lives more pleasant, I don’t judge. I simply want them to know the truth about the consequences and make certain they do not mix ethanol with other life sustaining medications. Unfortunately, many of them use ethanol to make their lives “more tolerable”. While you make not like it, this article is quite accurate. Alcohol is the most dangerous drug in the Western hemisphere when all outcomes are considered.
You almost had me until this:
“Most, if not all drinkers can easily recall experiences with vomiting, violence, blackouts, rape and homicide.”
Who’s ass did you pull that out of? MOST drinkers can easily recall rape and homicide? Seriously?
Look it’s great you want to push your personal beliefs on others. But when you start to lie and stretch the truth, or just quote jibberish, you defeat your own purpose. My grandfather lived until 103, and drank every day of his life. My grandmother drank wine she fermented under her bed and lived until 97. I am 62 and drank since I was 17, up to 40 drinks a week. Just had a checkup and liver function is perfect, and cholesterol levels were low. Maybe you should say “if you are a fat lazy, raping homicidal idiot then don’t drink”. For some of us, alcohol works just fine.
There definitely needs to be more awareness of what the long term effects of alcohol are. I am an alcoholic, and drank hard core for about 5 years, what it did to my insides in that amount of time, I’m lucky to be alive today to tell my story! Everyone thinks alcohol is such a socially acceptable things to do and it can be if you have control. If you drink everyday you will have consequences. I’m 31 years old with cirrhosis. It took me until I was vomiting blood to realize that I had a problem inside! Alcohol is scary, people think it’s not and that this can or will never happen to them…. Reality is it can happen to anyone at anytime! I’ve been sober for 20 months and I don’t regret my decision ever for one second! Life is full of so many experiences and great things to see and do and to be around for the people you love and that love you! A bottle a day isn’t the answer! And so not worth it
Hi, I know what you are talking about. So many people are just uneducated so shouldn’t comment! People aren’t actually aware of the damage alcohol causes even after you stop. My husband has been sober for 3.5 years and still has episodes of vomiting blood and bleeding black tarry stools. The damage was done whilst in his 20’s/ 30’s and is in hospital now with the same thing. It is horrendous to watch someone you love projectile vomiting pure blood. Alcohol is deadly even when you’ve been sober for years. Its the drinking you do when you are younger that does the damage. I wish alcohol was illegal, its just vile!!!
Alcohol is the worst drug n should be criminalized to make the world a better and safer place. I know all to well from both its effect on my life and many of my friends and family. “Worst thing humans ever invented.”
I think it’s important to realize the reasons why people who drink irresponsibly die…not just liver and other physical problems, but drunk driving and suicide (when they lose more than they can handle). It’s more deadly than other drugs because it is the most abused drug…therefore the statistics of that fact explain a lot. Also it is the most deadly drug to stop due to the physical responses your body would have in cessation, while other drugs often involve more psychological (emotional) cessation effects. I’m not saying all illicit drugs are purely emotionally withdrawing drugs, I’m simply saying if you read about alcohol effects, you’ll discover why it’s so dangerous to stop cold turkey and you might think twice about becoming addicted As far as it being a less dangerous drug to young people..that’s simply a ludicrous statement. Abusing alcohol is extremely dangerous…one needs to figure out the reasons they started drinking in the first place and find the way to cure that. Get to the root of why, then figure out how to fix that. And just know it is the most abused drug, and the most dangerous to stop cold turkey.
A friend drinks “a drink” and totally enjoys it but then he’s finished with alcohol and goes to something else. Ive admired that but the fact is, he doesn’t drink enough to have the craving to keep drinking. I would like to be satisfied with “a couple drinks”. My health would thank me and so would my wallet. Over the years, I increased the amount of alcohol I consume and it never bothered me, or anyone else I know. I hold my alcohol well and it never get violent , abusive or stupid. However when my blood platelets were shown as being low and I learned that I have a fatty liver, calling for an upper-endoscopy. I was advised to stop drinking for my healths sake or at at least cut down to a couple drinks a couple times a week, – – or a couple times a month., if I insist on drinking. My experience has shown me that once you get the craving, moderation is NOT an easy thing. Abstinence is easier. I will continue to work at that “one or two, now and then,”, idea and see if I can master it, – – for my own good. I have some back-peddling to do.
Please listen to the advise. If you stop now your liver will mend itself but when it gets worse, it will function but thats when you will have all the problems it causes. Please read about chirrosis and osaphagul varices, it is scary but happens and is happening. You have had a warning so have a choice, some people leave it too late. Good luck
Excellent article, Mr. Stoddart.
These are statistics they don’t lie, don’t care how people justifie there own reasons for what ever they want to believe actual facts on paper are like 1+1 =2 you can come core the math or make up any type od situation you like it still has the same outcome
I perused the above comments with amusement. Amongst them there are the naive and young (or just naive) and then there are those who are passionate about the dangers of alcohol. Mainly due, to loss of family or friends. I am a sober alcoholic, who knows the potentially fatal nature of alcoholism. The only solution is a spiritual one. For those that are the heavy drinker (or binger, if you like). Keep on goin until you have a valuable enough reason not to. Alcohol in moderate measures is totally okay for the ‘normal drinker’. This, I am not. Kind regards.
D.L
Agreed! No one ever beat their wife from smoking weed.
AMEN
Its your one and only body and mind with you for this lifetime, so do your own serious research, as just because something is socially acceptable does not make it good for you.
There are many well known university and health studies out there, using large groups of people from all walks of life to give you factual answers.
In the, future Alcohol companies will be looked upon as Tobacco companies are now.. (By the way, pay attention with the next movie you watch and see how much drinking is always going on – just like smoking used to be.)
As for alcohol being healthy for you – those same apparent health benefits from a glass of wine can be gained much more safely in many other ways.
Looking back on my not too distant drinking years, I wonder why I drank at all, I thought i was funnier, socially more fluid and just better all around, but really I was all just lowering my interactions to a more base level. Go out sober next time or record yourself. Then ask ‘is that truly me?’
Freedom lies within, and we should all be allowed to make our own choices with what we do with our bodies.and minds. Choose wisely.
Alcohol should stay legal. It’s one of those deadly things that are needful, kind of like driving, mountain climbing, gun ownership, white-water rafting….the list could go on and on.
It’s amazing that our brainwashed government, religionists, and police can’t see the reality of how closely related the current drug war is to prohibition in the 1920’s. I’m absolutely amazed at the stupidity of the newspapers. Can they not look at Chicago’s drug war today and see that it is the exact thing as the 1920’s Capone era? Can they not see that alcohol is the “violent” drug, and the most used and always has been, yet it’s legal, and yet we’re throwing people in cages for drugs that lead to less violence than alcohol and are also not the drug of choice for most people, alcohol is. And even when all of these drugs were legal in the 1940’s, hardly anyone used them because, again, drug of choice was alcohol. They don’t call it spirits for nothing. It has driven nations forward in prosperity. It was there in the bar with Jefferson and Adams when they drafted the Declaration of Independence.
Oh yeah, here are a few heroin users of the past. Charles Dickens, Sigmund Freud, Aleister Crowley. I know, they were very, very bad men who should have been locked in cages. Get a grip folks!
they KNOW how close it is to probition of the 1920s, thats the point! it creates a black market that makes a plant worth 50 cents or less to be worth 5k or more per plant! the BIGGEST drug dealer in the world is the CIA.
Being an alcoholic since my first drink at 15, sober for 5 years; I love seeing the statistics… society has such a distorted idea of alcoholics. We cant even go to the grocery store with out alcohol displays near every aisle. It is the first thing that a server asks at a restaurant.. so much more readily available and in your face.. no wonder the statistics are so high
Congratulations on your sobriety – it’s an accomplishment that is impossible for some to achieve. I wish you a very long, happy life!
There is also alcohol-type dementia that wreaks even more havoc in the lives of those surrounding the alcoholic, let alone the alcoholic. I am dealing with this directly as caregiver/advocate with an elderly parent who was a moderate drinker during her adult life. This is not easy to deal with as only some parts of the brain are affected, leaving the person often high functioning but partially, sporadically disabled. This condition ought to be more publicized so to warn people that the long-term effects of their drinking can be really disabling.
Not to mention that many people die from alcohol withdrawal.
8 years sober by God’s grace
Alcohol ruins everything.
I loved reading this. I almost passed away from alcohol withdrawal 9 years ago.I spent six days in ICU, receiving 5 pints of blood… my body couldn’t take it anymore. I was very close to death. Very anemic, severely iron deficient, and malnourished… My liver is slowly healing. There is still some scarring. And from the alcoholic seizures, my brain will never be the same… I drank for 26 years. By the grace of God, I’ll be sober 9 years in June. This disease is awful. Alcohol lead to losing custody of my children, losing my home, cars, marriage, friends and family. Thanks to some wonderful people in the rooms, (AA) rehab and my family, I’m able to give back what I received. I have been a drug and alcohol counselor for 7 years. My job helps me tremendously. And getting together with those that shared the same dreadful life, stories, and experiences. I pray for the ones that are still suffering!
I know it’s an old saying but every alcoholic affects at least 8 people. It is the most destructive drug sold.
Not sure i can reply or not. If so. Good article
Good article. Couldn’t agree more. I drank to excess as a 18-26 year old. Party til ya puke was my motto. Crashed cars fell down, no problem. Only on week ends. Only at parties. Happy drunk, never fought. Got out of college and pretty much stopped. I will drink anything almost, but just one. 2 max -except beer around the house on weekend, but i love micro brews and would have one a day if i could afford it. I love the browns the most. It takes an hour or more for me to drink one can, and i never get drunk. I might drink 3 or 4 on a weekend but i have one everyday. It’s about cheaper than coke and far better for you. No corn syrup./round up. So I guess that’s moderation. I’m good with that. I feel fortunate i didn’t kill myself when i was younger and don’t have to drink till it’s all gone. I got one dui when i was 21 but have been lucky again because i used to drive drunk back then. The thrill of being drunk just isn’t there anymore. Same with being high, just don’t like it anymore. I think it’s like anything else, you just get bored with it after a while. The trick is teaching younger kids they have to be careful. Just last Friday night this 22 year old hit 4 parked cars and died. I think he probably blacked out at the wheel. Well of course, then it’s too late. And my step brother r.i.p. killed his liver and died at 33. Maybe some “scared straight” classes would be a good thing. But good parenting should include dangers of drinking for sure.
I never had a taste for alcohol, really, but I did my share of college excess and am thankful I did not kill myself or someone else. I have recently however, rediscovered cannabis oil in my 60s. Helps with sleeping.
What the article did not mention is the compounded danger of combining alcohol and presriptions like xanax , valium, or klonopin..or with opioids like percocet, vicodin or norco.
Very true! Plus there’s better substance than alcohol!