Thoughts from a non-drinker:
- at nearly every social event I attend I am usually asked to explain why I don't drink. People generally aren't mean about it, but it's certainly on par with having an 11th finger as far as talking points go. Maybe I just hang out with alcoholics, but I don't see drinking becoming a thing that happens less.
- People will still gravitate to the studies that support their alcohol consumption. There's plenty of studies that people either skim or just read about in the news. Whatever your opinion, there's something for you. It's not correct but it's what people will do.
- It's a tough substance to pin down because on one hand it's basically a toxin you're ingesting. On the other, it acts as a social lubricant, and being social is a huge predictor of health into old age. Many point to areas of Italy with impressive longevity because they drink and eat with reckless abandon. It's also hard to ignore that Italians often cluster with their families, so their social circles are tight. Japan also gets this treatment, and they hold their elderly in high regard, so it's not crazy that they live longer. It rubs me the wrong way when people say "well this group drinks and they're doing great". Drinking is one behaviour amongst thousands.
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