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Two studies [1],[2] suggest 40% and 25% of certain violent crimes have alcohol involved.It may be difficult to know whether these crimes would have happened without alcohol anyway. Nevertheless, even a slight reduction would certainly be appreciated by the victims and society. And what about inventing other means of social grease? [1] https://bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/ac.pdf [2] https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/10report/chap01c.pdf

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I think 'social grease' is a good term. Grease is multipurpose: alcohol serves to lubricate a social setting, abd removes the inhibitions that can prevent people from letting their guards down and opening themselves up. In different contexts, however, it can cause one to easily fall into darker emotional patterns, resort to violence, or lead to someone being taken advantage of.

We will never be rid of alcohol, in my opinion. It's too simple and effective, and too deeply engrained in our society. What we can do is work to better educate and support society so that alcohol can exist in a safer atmosphere. Addicts don't get addicted just due to chemical means: there are deep social implications.

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