Why is drinking so socially acceptable?

by Tannia V.

Alcohol is treated as if it is not a drug and has no negative consequences. Almost every social situation seems to involve alcohol. How many parties are thrown without alcohol being served? How many people go out after work or on a weekend and do not drink? What holiday is celebrated without beer, wine, or a cocktail of some sort? From happy hour, to fundraisers, to weddings, or any celebration, alcohol is involved every step of the way.

At every party I attend, I’m offered alcohol.  No one would ever dare offer me meth, LSD, or cocaine. Our society needs to take the blinders off… We pretend alcohol is different and safe and that those “other drugs” are so different.  They are not. Alcohol is a drug.

No one would ever dare offer me meth, lsd or cocaine.

Maintaining a distinction between alcohol and drugs helps perpetuate the stigma associated with drugs and drug use. Those who condemn drug use, but drink alcohol, are being hypocritical. The only difference is the labeling of the substance and the social acceptance.

Alcohol is portrayed by the media as fun and relaxing.

person abusing alcohol

We are told that alcohol is less harmful and less serious than illegal drugs, but research proves this is not true. Alcohol is responsible for more deaths than any other drug besides cigarettes. Cigarettes in recent years have become heavily regulated and are becoming less socially acceptable as they are banned from restaurants and even public streets and parks. Yet alcohol remains one of the most dangerous, yet acceptable drugs around.

We are told that alcohol is less harmful and less serious than the illegal drugs, but research proves this is not true.

The effects of alcohol, a single drink, or over time can take a serious toll on people’s health.  Drinking affects the brain, heart, liver, pancreas and affects your immune system,  sexual dysfunction, diabetes complications, malnutrition, birth defects to name a few. 

We need to make alcohol less socially acceptable. This will help stop the pressure to consume it during almost every occasion or social gathering.  Social events should not be centered on alcohol.  As a society we need to create awareness about the dangers of alcohol, and end the myth that alcohol is harmless “fun” and should be used to “relax.”

As a society we need to create awareness about the dangers of alcohol, and end the myth that alcohol is harmless “fun” and should be used to “relax.”

We need to discuss the availability and promotion of alcohol in our community in the context of it being a drug with the potential for harm. 

alcoholic