Why People Choose Not to Drink Alcohol: Health and Ethical Concerns
Many people choose not to consume alcohol due to a variety of reasons, primarily relating to health and ethical concerns. This article explores the reasons behind these choices and the broader implications.
Health Impacts of Alcohol Consumption
Individuals who abstain from alcohol often cite the negative impact of alcohol on their mental and physical health as their primary reason. One such individual explains, “I don’t drink mainly because I don’t like the effects of alcohol on my mental and physical health. I am allergic to alcohol, making my face red and burning my stomach. After drinking, I feel tired, my speech becomes chaotic, and I don't understand a single reason why people would want to drink in the first place. Drunk people reek of alcohol, cannot behave, and often speak obscenely.”
The peer-reviewed literature supports these concerns, indicating that alcohol can lead to both short-term and long-term health issues, including liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, and cognitive dysfunction (World Health Organization, 2021).
Alcohol as a Social Beverage: Ethical Considerations
From a broader social perspective, the underlying ethics and impact of alcohol consumption are also significant. Some individuals emphasize that alcohol is a “poison” and a “drug” that can lead to significant health and ethical issues. One person who has worked in bars as a DJ and front of house described alcohol as “instant idiot juice” and “yeast piss” that compromises every cell in the body. They further state, “it is the ultimate gateway drug and huge corporations make massive profits from the misery.”
This view reflects a deeper ethical concern about the societal impact of alcohol consumption, including increased healthcare costs, accidents, and even violence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020) have reported that excessive alcohol use is a leading cause of injury and death in the United States.
Personal Experiences and the Decision to Abstain
Many who choose not to drink base their decision on personal experience. For example, an individual who grew up in Austria, a country with a significant drinking culture, notes, “Austria has a drinking culture, but when I drank, there was always a risk of becoming more intoxicated than was good for me. Looking back on my personal life, alcohol caused me a lot of misery. Some nights started harmlessly but then after one glass, another followed, and then there were bottles.”
This experience highlights the potential for alcohol to spiral out of control, leading to regret, shame, and embarrassment. Additionally, the individual mentions the lasting effects, such as feeling depressed the day after drinking and the cognitive and physical strain on the body.
Conclusion: Making a Smart Choice
Given these extensive health and ethical concerns, many people choose to be teetotalers. The decision not to drink is often seen as a wise choice, even if it means giving up certain social benefits or pleasures. As one individual expresses, “Being a teetotaler is just wise. The only pro argument is that alcohol in tiny amounts can make us relaxed and open up, but the risk of getting drunk outdoes this easily.”
Ultimately, the decision to abstain from alcohol is highly personal, influenced by a variety of factors, including individual health, cultural background, and ethical considerations. For those who have made this choice, there is pride in their decision, knowing that they are taking a step towards better health and well-being.
Note: This article draws on personal experiences, ethical considerations, and scientific research to explore the reasons behind the decision to abstain from alcohol. It highlights the importance of personal health and ethical decision-making in this context.
References:
World Health Organization. (2021). Global status report on alcohol and health. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Excessive alcohol use. Retrieved from