Against Alcohol

thefitzwilliam.com

> I wonder how Nutt can still suggest, in good conscience, that we should still drink (within limits).

Because moderate alcohol consumption is safe and enjoyable! That is the only reason necessary. Inevitably alcohol abuse leads to prohibitionism or at least teetotalism with very little regard to the virtue of moderation.

Actually it doesn't appear that anyone has decided on a safe amount of alcohol to drink.

> Negative effects are related to the amount consumed with no safe lower limit seen.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_and_health

> Alcohol consumption at any quantity is a risk factor for cancers of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx and larynx.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_and_cancer

Nothing is absolutely safe and therefore everything including doing nothing is a risk factor for death to some degree. Moderate alcohol consumption as a risk factor is far out-weighed by other enjoyable and laudable pursuits that are generally considered safe e.g. driving, mountain biking etc. So it’s great to drink moderately just like it’s good to occasionally smoke a cigar if you enjoy it. Practice the virtue of moderation and enjoy life!

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