See this report in today's Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/ ... roin-crack

Alcohol should not be used by anyone, ever.

This is a rather poorly done study. It determines the harm of substances based on the prevalence of use rather than how harmful they actually are. In other words, alcohol is most harmful because it IS harmful and it is most frequently used. Ecstasy is barely harmful at all because it isn't used *that* much and it's really isn't particularly harmful.

The point of the study was to determine the most harmful drug in society at the moment, not to look at the drug in isolation. This makes it a useful study in my view.

So what's the point? I intend to continue to use alcohol in social situations just like our ancestors have done for thousands of years. Notice I said use, not abuse. And as long as I take my Nal I will be able to do this.

Should we ban alcohol because some are hurt by its abuse? Alcohol is a food in my opinion and adds much to our health and wellbeing - but like anything and I do mean 'anything' once abused it is harmful.

Ever eat too many doughnuts? More people are 'killed' each year by bad diet (diabetes and heart disease from eating to much sugar and starch) than by alcohol by far.

We can't demonize alcohol. I looked into this awhile back and found that people have been fermenting grapes and grains for thousands of years - and not only to ensure a safe clean drink - they liked it because it made them feel good. Even the Bible has passages that talk about being cheerful with wine - and of course moderation is always the by-word.

For most of us that's the point of TSM - we want to be one of those folks who can have a glass once in a while - or even every night with dinner - and be part of life.

Actually alcohol is a narcotic poison not a food, and any health benefits are irrelevant. People drink alcohol for the effects not the health benefits. You don't see people celebrating with a baby aspirin.

Don't think that because it is common that it is natural- it isn't at all natural, and its sum total is extremely destructive- to both person and family.

I must agree w/Z9. Sorry, just my 2cents again.

just saw this posted on facebook. i hope i posted this correctly so the link works

http://www.mnn.com/food/wine-spirits/stories/study-abstaining-from-alcohol-significantly-shortens-life

i wish it gave more information about who did this study. anyway, i just thought i would post it here as a counterpoint to the gaurdian article. i personally think (without any research at all) that the truth probably falls somewhere in between these two studies.
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