People tend to have strong feelings and beliefs about alcohol—and for good reason. Muslims, Mormons and certain Christian churches forbid it. Buddhists disapprove of it. Other religions incorporate alcohol into rituals and take a more permissive line. Survey results vary, but about 35 percent of American adults drink no alcohol, 55 percent are light or moderate drinkers and 10 percent drink more than moderately. Alcohol is estimated to cause 90,000 deaths a year in the U.S., directly or indirectly, including more than 11,000 traffic fatalities. Treating alcoholism costs billions annually.
At the same time, drinking has some benefits. For many people, it is part of social, business and family life, an enjoyable and traditional accompaniment to food and celebrations. Medical science has a lot to say about alcohol. While doctors have long recognized the harm of too much alcohol, it has been used medicinally for centuries. It was once the only antiseptic and anesthetic in the surgeon’s kit.