In terms of the number of deaths caused and related social problems, alcohol tops the list. Even if you discount it's prevalence due to it being illegal, according to international authorities, alcohol is the fifth most dangerous drug out there, more so than tobacco, cannabis, ecstacy and a lot others.
I don't see how outlawing alcohol infringes ethics. It is an unnecessary substance but as you say, everything we ingest is a chemical and affects each one of us in different ways. The problem with alcohol is the social damage it causes, plus it is a highly addictive drug. Yet in a world where mono sodium glutamate (a more addictive drug) is freely sold, I guess what can you do.
The sugar situation is an interesting one. The threat of a drug is related to the damage it does to a proportion of the population. I cannot take codeine as it gives me panic attacks but I am aware that most people can. It's the same with most allergies.
As you say, being overweight is becoming a greater problem in society than alcoholism is and this is down to education. Perhaps this should also apply to alcohol. The difference is that if you ingest sugar you are affecting your own health. If you have alcohol you are more likely to become violent and commit certain crimes such as vandalism and the like.
When I said ban alcohol, it was tongue in cheek as I am aware that it will never happen, nor will it ever succeed. However, ways do need to be found for curbing its influence. I am all for free choice though and people should be given it over alcohol. But then I think the same for most drugs.
As for myself, I don't think I could ever get off alcohol completely, it just won't happen. I just need to stop drinking it when I am down or insecure. Alcohol does enhance your mood so when I am happy, alcohol is fine.
no subject
I don't see how outlawing alcohol infringes ethics. It is an unnecessary substance but as you say, everything we ingest is a chemical and affects each one of us in different ways. The problem with alcohol is the social damage it causes, plus it is a highly addictive drug. Yet in a world where mono sodium glutamate (a more addictive drug) is freely sold, I guess what can you do.
The sugar situation is an interesting one. The threat of a drug is related to the damage it does to a proportion of the population. I cannot take codeine as it gives me panic attacks but I am aware that most people can. It's the same with most allergies.
As you say, being overweight is becoming a greater problem in society than alcoholism is and this is down to education. Perhaps this should also apply to alcohol. The difference is that if you ingest sugar you are affecting your own health. If you have alcohol you are more likely to become violent and commit certain crimes such as vandalism and the like.
When I said ban alcohol, it was tongue in cheek as I am aware that it will never happen, nor will it ever succeed. However, ways do need to be found for curbing its influence. I am all for free choice though and people should be given it over alcohol. But then I think the same for most drugs.
As for myself, I don't think I could ever get off alcohol completely, it just won't happen. I just need to stop drinking it when I am down or insecure. Alcohol does enhance your mood so when I am happy, alcohol is fine.