Alcohol is the most underrated drug in the US today.

Alcohol, with its connections to disease, violence, and death, is the most underrated drug in the US today. It’s dangerous not only because of its negative effects on the user, but also for the negative effects the user then has on his or her community. Domestic violence, auto accidents, random violence perpetrated by those under the influence—all affect the community and society as a whole. All this from a drug that is legal.

The dictionary says a drug is: n. 1.a substance used in medicine. 2. a substance that acts on the nervous system, such as a narcotic or stimulant, especially one causing addiction.  Most people use alcohol to change their state of mind, just as one would use marijuana or heroin. Alcohol is addictive and interestingly enough, much more acceptable than those controlled substances. I suppose because it’s legal. People want to change their state of mind, and alcohol is our drug of choice for doing so.

If a person drinks to excess on a regular basis, they are overindulging. If a person’s relationship with alcohol interferes with work, school, relationships, or a normal lifestyle, they are overindulging. A drink with a friend once in a while, or to celebrate a special occasion or a religious observance, is not.

Take a look at your alcohol consumption habits. This chapter is not meant to address the habits of alcoholics. Only professional counseling by someone skilled in the dynamics of alcoholism can do that. Remember, it’s now generally recognized that alcoholism is a disease. If you have a serious alcohol habit, you need serious help. Check your phone book for information on alcoholism and treatment programs.

Some medical authorities encourage healthy people to have a glass of wine with a meal once a day for even greater health benefits. I have often told patients that an evening out dancing and having a drink can be good for their health. Alcohol used in this manner may be healthy, but beware if you take any medications at all, if you are carbohydrate sensitive, if you are on a diet, or diabetic you will want to eliminate alcohol all together.

If you have a family history of alcoholism it’s probably wise to eliminate alcohol from your life. Maybe you have religious reasons to forego all alcohol. If you occasionally have a drink and would like to eliminate all alcohol from your life, keep reading, the rest of this chapter may be of assistance.

Alcohol affects the human body in many ways; when abused over time, it can cause serious health problems, and no wonder: a diet high in alcohol is high in carbohydrates and low in nutritional value. Even light drinkers are depriving their bodies of water and adding unnecessary calories when they satisfy the thirst mechanism with an alcoholic beverage. Each time you drink alcohol, you hand your body more toxins to process and put more stress on your system. If you drink to reduce stress, that pretty much defeats your purpose.

 Here are some ideas to help keep you alcohol consumption to a minimum. If you’re thirsty and crave a carbonated beverage, try some sparkling water. If you use a drink as a way to unwind at the end of the day, try some herbal tea instead. You can still take that break from the day and sit and enjoy your drink—it’s just not alcohol. The “If you don’t buy it you can’t use it” rule applies here. If you want to cut down on your alcohol intake, don’t keep alcohol in the house. If you find yourself drinking in social situations and want to eliminate that drink as well, you can order a “virgin cocktail”—one without alcohol.

If you do purchase alcohol, don’t get the economy-size package. Rather than a case, buy a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer. There probably is no good reason to have a full bar in your home. How often do you need it, and how often does it tempt you? If it tempts you more often than you use it for valid entertaining purposes, close it down.

Limit your day-to-day intake of alcohol. Then, when the occasion to celebrate with a drink arrives, you’ll be able to have one without doing too much damage to your body or your health.