I am always pondering something, like the fact that so many people walk around with altered minds care of alcohol. They may drink because of any number of stresses in their lives ... work, family, bills, illness of a loved one. There are also social drinkers who are simply drinking to have a good time with coworkers or friends.

Approximately 60-70 percent of Americans drink alcoholic beverages. Some of those same Americans may even indulge in marijuana or some other narcotic. Then there are those Americans who love their marijuana but don't drink. Further, apparently there is a prescribed medicine epidemic and plenty of people who are taking these medications like candy. What would people be like if their personalities weren't being controlled by some form of substance for an hour or two or even five hours per day? Let's face it, a lot of people drink every day without fail. They may not be getting drunk, but they are having some form of cocktail every day and may even think it's strange for others not to do so as well. It is a regular part of their day to day living.

Does liquor enhance our personalities in the short-term or hurt us in the long run? Whatever the case, mind-controlling substances aren't good for our overall health with the exception of perhaps controlled medications or a glass of red wine periodically. However, some would argue that in moderation maybe a little alcohol is okay to help us deal with life and its challenges a little better, even if it's only temporary. After all, I don't know about you, but I don't think I've ever been to a repast that didn't have alcohol, which is interesting considering that alcohol is a depressant. Its role is to essentially wreak havoc on your central nervous system and to alter your emotions and perceptions. However, it does take more than your casual drink or two to get to this point.

Is alcohol okay for the short-term, feel-good effects it provides? Maybe for some, maybe not so much for others. Would more than half of the population be an unfortunate bore if they were never under the influence of alcohol? Probably so.

#alcohol #health #Americans