Alcohol Discussion Thread I: Drunk Spirits

[Molotovsk]

Lets say that you were in complete control of alcohol's fate. Considering that no law on alcohol was made yet, you could only let it be legal or illegal. Here are some things to help you:

Drinking too much can harm your health. Excessive alcohol use led to approximately 95,000 deaths and 2.8 million years of potential life lost (YPLL) each year in the United States from 2011 – 2015, shortening the lives of those who died by an average of 29 years. Further, excessive drinking was responsible for 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults aged 20-64 years. The economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in 2010 were estimated at $249 billion, or $2.05 a drink.

- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, ??/??/????

Moderate alcohol consumption may provide some health benefits, such as:

1. Reducing your risk of developing and dying of heart disease
2. Possibly reducing your risk of ischemic stroke (when the arteries to your brain become narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow)
3. Possibly reducing your risk of diabetes

- Mayo Clinic, 10/16/2019

[Untecna]

Definitely pressing the ban button.

[Ayytaly]

Legalize it? I'd turn it into a state industry and have all profit be redirected to fund infrastructure, health care, education (STEM in particular), and increase food supply. However, we will not be liable for alcohol-related incidents. You chose to drink, not us.

P.S. There are strikes for drunk-driving. First strike is a 6-month prison sentence. Second is 2 years. Third is the death penalty.

[Molotovsk]

Legalize it? I'd turn it into a state industry and have all profit be redirected to fund infrastructure, health care, education (STEM in particular), and increase food supply. However, we will not be liable for alcohol-related incidents. You chose to drink, not us.

P.S. There are strikes for drunk-driving. First strike is a 6-month prison sentence. Second is 2 years. Third is the death penalty.

In Israel, there is no such thing.

[Resilient Acceleration]

One word: Prohibition.

[Azalfia]

I have a moral objection to alcohol, but it would be absolutely silly to try to ban it. Society is at a point where maybe instead, we put the money we get from alcohol sales into rehabilitation for addicts, and raising the taxes on alcohol. Putting money towards rehabilitation of alcohol addicts would lower the amount of addicts willing to spend self harming amounts of money on alcohol, and a tax on it would provide a incentive for non addicted drinkers to hold off on buying it.

[Molotovsk]

One word: Prohibition.

It felt like hell during those days.

[Major-Tom]

Alcohol is the reason I'm here in the first place, and it's served me quite well ever since. Keep it please and thank you.

[Western Fardelshufflestein]

I have a moral objection to alcohol, but it would be absolutely silly to try to ban it. Society is at a point where maybe instead, we put the money we get from alcohol sales into rehabilitation for addicts, and raising the taxes on alcohol. Putting money towards rehabilitation of alcohol addicts would lower the amount of addicts willing to spend self harming amounts of money on alcohol, and a tax on it would provide a incentive for non addicted drinkers to hold off on buying it.

I...love that idea.

Where does the money for alcohol taxes actually go to at present?

[Major-Tom]

I have a moral objection to alcohol, but it would be absolutely silly to try to ban it. Society is at a point where maybe instead, we put the money we get from alcohol sales into rehabilitation for addicts, and raising the taxes on alcohol. Putting money towards rehabilitation of alcohol addicts would lower the amount of addicts willing to spend self harming amounts of money on alcohol, and a tax on it would provide a incentive for non addicted drinkers to hold off on buying it.

Alcohol in most US jurisdictions is already highly taxed, but to your point, the question of "where should we put that money" is valid. In most states, the alcohol revenue goes to a sort of "Beverage Control Fund," which state govts often distribute back to infrastructure and similar projects. Allocating some of that money towards rehabilitation is smart, though I'm sure some countries/states may have tried it. Couldn't find anything on google, but I'm sure it exists somewhere.

That said, alcohol is pretty highly taxed as is. Increasing that "luxury tax" even further makes it function more as a regressive poverty tax. To really tackle alcoholism in my own country (the US), and many other countries, alleviating social ills and inequality helps, as does greater levels of education, and even a change in drinking culture. Binge-drinking is so, so, so prevalent among youth in the US, and not all young folks grow out of it. Some grow into a drinking problem that will last regardless of how expensive their next fix is.

[Azalfia]

I have a moral objection to alcohol, but it would be absolutely silly to try to ban it. Society is at a point where maybe instead, we put the money we get from alcohol sales into rehabilitation for addicts, and raising the taxes on alcohol. Putting money towards rehabilitation of alcohol addicts would lower the amount of addicts willing to spend self harming amounts of money on alcohol, and a tax on it would provide a incentive for non addicted drinkers to hold off on buying it.

Alcohol in most US jurisdictions is already highly taxed, but to your point, the question of "where should we put that money" is valid. In most states, the alcohol revenue goes to a sort of "Beverage Control Fund," which state govts often distribute back to infrastructure and similar projects. Allocating some of that money towards rehabilitation is smart, though I'm sure some countries/states may have tried it. Couldn't find anything on google, but I'm sure it exists somewhere.

That said, alcohol is pretty highly taxed as is. Increasing that "luxury tax" even further makes it function more as a regressive poverty tax. To really tackle alcoholism in my own country (the US), and many other countries, alleviating social ills and inequality helps, as does greater levels of education, and even a change in drinking culture. Binge-drinking is so, so, so prevalent among youth in the US, and not all young folks grow out of it. Some grow into a drinking problem that will last regardless of how expensive their next fix is.

I mean you have a point. Many people have alcohol addictions that start due to stress and bad conditions in life, generally associated with poverty. Maybe taxing it more is not the good idea, but putting the funds we gain from it to trying to lower drinking rates and rehabilitate those with problems might be better. Thanks for the new view.

[Picairn]

I...love that idea.

Where does the money for alcohol taxes actually go to at present?

https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomaspell ... 1d44b95229

[Borderlands of Rojava]

Alcohol should definitely be legal. We should educate people on the effects though and let them make the decision for themselves. Some weekends when I'm out of weed and too lazy to drive down to the closest dispensary on the west side, I buy myself a couple smirnoff Ice Smashes and chug away. I think any drug that can be moderated by a user should be legal. The only drugs that shouldn't be legal are ones that get you hooked almost immediately and even they should be decriminalized so users get help and not hauled off to jail.

[Postauthoritarian America]

I would make it mandatory for people to either drink alcohol or smoke weed every day. The benefit to society from all the mellow would be incalculable.

[Azalfia]

I would make it mandatory for people to either drink alcohol or smoke weed every day. The benefit to society from all the mellow would be incalculable.

the most basedest thing ever written /s

No but seriously, really, what benefits come from alcohol? I've never really figured it out or the mindset behind it.

[Hakinda Herseyi Duymak istiyorum]

Don't touch my alcohol ! my special recipe enjoy raki, vodka and water

[Postauthoritarian America]

I would make it mandatory for people to either drink alcohol or smoke weed every day. The benefit to society from all the mellow would be incalculable.

the most basedest thing ever written /s

No but seriously, really, what benefits come from alcohol? I've never really figured it out or the mindset behind it.

Besided improved mood, better social interactions and tasty pairings with most foods, lowered risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Your mileage may vary.

[Whitemore]

Make it illegal and prevent it's production, it's a disease on Humanity and causes unneeded deaths.

[Grinning Dragon]

I would make it mandatory for people to either drink alcohol or smoke weed every day. The benefit to society from all the mellow would be incalculable.

the most basedest thing ever written /s

No but seriously, really, what benefits come from alcohol? I've never really figured it out or the mindset behind it.

Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Several reviews have suggested that consuming one to two beers a day may help lower your risk of heart disease. In fact, beer may be as effective at improving general heart health as wine at comparable alcohol levels.

One study showed that one drink a day lowered the risk of all-cause mortality for women and up to two beers a day produced the same results for men. While one study is not enough to identify the cause for this, research is promising.

Improved Blood Sugar Levels

Drinking light amounts of alcohol may help reduce the risk of developing diabetes and help people with diabetes control their blood sugar more effectively. One study showed that one to two alcoholic drinks a day could lower the risk of developing diabetes by as much as 50%.

This effect is strongest for low-sugar beers, such as light beers, so pay attention to the type of beer you drink.

Increased Bone Strength

Early research suggests that moderate amounts of beer may help strengthen bones for men and postmenopausal women. This may be because alcohol in general, in moderate amounts, can help your bones. But this benefit sharply drops when consumption passes two drinks a day, so moderation is key.
https://www.webmd.com/diet/beer-good-for-you#1

Potential Health Benefits of Whiskey

Whiskey contains fewer calories compared to other alcohols and has no carbohydrates or sugar. Its ellagic acid content may also reduce bodily inflammation and lower the risk of obesity.

Research suggests that there are other health benefits to drinking whiskey. However, these benefits are all associated with moderate consumption — heavy drinking can lead to serious health issues.

A glass of whiskey a day may offer health benefits like:

Heart Health

Whiskey has high levels of polyphenols, plant-based antioxidants linked with lowering your risk of heart disease. The polyphenols in whiskey have been shown to decrease “ bad ” cholest erol (LDL) and increase “g ood ” cholesterol (HDL) levels, and reduce triglycerides, or fat in your blood.

Bad cholesterol and triglycerides can clog your arteries, while good cholesterol helps to keep them clear. Maintaining healthy levels can help prevent heart disease and stroke.
Relief of Cold Symptoms

Whiskey can temporarily widen your blood vessels. In small amounts, this can help clear mucus congestion in your sinuses and chest, which lets your body better deal with sickness and infection. This effect may also relieve other symptoms of a cold or flu, like coughing or wheezing.

Immune System Support

Scientists are unsure why, but several studies link moderate alcohol consumption to improved immunity of diseases and improved responses to vaccines. Studies show lower rates of the common cold, faster removal of bacteria, and better antibody response in people who have a daily drink compared to those who don’t. However, much more research is needed to understand this effect.

Brain Health

The plant-based antioxidants in whiskey may help maintain a healthy chemical balance in your brain. Research shows small amounts of whiskey — especially aged varieties — increases our activity in the brain’s GABA neurotransmitter, responsible for things like nervous system function and memory.

One study found that people who consumed one to six drinks weekly had a lower risk of dementia than non-drinkers. Another showed that moderate alcohol intake might reduce cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s Disease.
https://www.webmd.com/diet/whiskey-good-for-you#2

[Borderlands of Rojava]

I would make it mandatory for people to either drink alcohol or smoke weed every day. The benefit to society from all the mellow would be incalculable.

Weed. Alcohol makes some people aggressive like my brother. But weed just makes us trip balls cause we smoke strong shit like J1 or Orange Ghost. I don't drink that much anymore since I found a really good dispensary that opened recently and has all the stuff I like.

[Borderlands of Rojava]

Make it illegal and prevent it's production, it's a disease on Humanity and causes unneeded deaths.

Already tried that. It just led to the Italian Mafia becoming more powerful.

[Hakinda Herseyi Duymak istiyorum]

Make it illegal and prevent it's production, it's a disease on Humanity and causes unneeded deaths.

Welcome to the Middle East. to the region of the world where all crimes where alcohol is prohibited.The prohibitionist mentality needs to break its chains. don't touch my cigarette, my marijuana, my alcohol

[Whitemore]

Make it illegal and prevent it's production, it's a disease on Humanity and causes unneeded deaths.

Already tried that. It just led to the Italian Mafia becoming more powerful.

Just answering OP's question, he didn't say if people could disobey it.

[Whitemore]

Make it illegal and prevent it's production, it's a disease on Humanity and causes unneeded deaths.

Welcome to the Middle East. to the region of the world where all crimes where alcohol is prohibited.The prohibitionist mentality needs to break its chains. don't touch my cigarette, my marijuana, my alcohol

Sorry, but, I don't care where you're from. WORLDWIDE PROHIBITION.

[Ayytaly]

For those who are interested

How Vodka ruined Russia