To Drink (Moderately) or Not to Drink?

Abstract

Throughout the history of humanity, alcoholic beverages have been widely used for their pleasing taste and their mood-altering effects. However, the use of alcohol has evoked strong opposition, because of the potential for abuse and the associated adverse effects on safety and health. In large urban areas, one of the complications of alcohol abuse — cirrhosis of the liver — is now the second most common cause of all deaths in the age group of 25 to 44 years and the third in the group 45 to 64.¹ Arguments for or against control of intake have evoked powerful emotional responses, . . .