the human condition

Being both legal and socially accepted, I consider alcohol to be the most dangerous drug. Unlike cocaine. heroin and meth, alcohol triggers so many different chemicals in the brain that even scientist refer to it as the "dirtiest drug." Therefore, it is considered one of the most difficult addictions to overcome. There was a time when I thought that alcohol was an easy way to make things more enjoyable. But now I feel that it is an easy way to make things in life more tolerable. I know that statement might come off as a red flag to alcoholism or depression, but let me assure you that I am not suffering from either. It's moreso a realization that when we are young, we drink to have fun, but as we age, we drink to cope. It's logic like, "why drink if not to get drunk," that scares me. For all those who are thinking, "no way, that's not me" or the like, I commend you on your ability to lie to yourself. Its either that or you are a way stronger person that I am and don't drink a sip of alcohol for anything.

But back to the normal people... we don' t need to drink alcohol but we choose to. We do so for a host of reasons and we give even more varied explanations as to why it's okay. But frankly, we all have similar desires and it's to lift the situation. I am saying that drinking champagne to celebrate a new year with friends isn't any different than drinking rounds of scotch because your wife wants a divorce. Many of you are probably saying, how is it the same? It's really the way you look at it. In both scenarios, we choose to drink alcohol, when there is absolutely no need to. You may argue that one is for fun and the other is destructive, but I say that in either cases, because alcohol is being consumed to better the setting, whether it is to numb your senses to let loose, or to cope with stress, it is both bad behavior.

However, just because its bad, doesn't mean I'm not going to partake. In moderation, it is worthwhile despite its adverse effects on the body and other possible damages. Some of the best and worst times of my life were under the influence and I wouldn't take a day back. I also feel that some of our truest intentions are revealed when inebriated. Though, I feel as we age, we tend to take less risks and rightfully so. I happen to know some who have lost their lives because of poor choices facilitated by alcohol. Yet I still don't feel like we should take it off shelves. Rather, we should educate and enforce better, the world we live in.