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by: EdPhilips
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How can something as prevalent, accepted, and accessible in our society as drinking alcohol be so harmful, unhealthy, AND illegal when consumed at or slightly above moderate intake levels? The simple asking of this question immediately uncovers a number of issues, one of which is the mixed messages that exist in our society about drinking alcohol.

The Accessibility and Acceptability of Alcohol. On the one hand, consider the thousands upon thousands of bars and taverns in the United States. Now add to this list the restaurants, night clubs, sporting events, festivals, state fairs, hotels, casinos, carnivals, etc. where alcoholic beverages are regularly served. Moreover, add the grocery stores, liquor stores, beverage stores, the Convenient Food Marts, the 7/11 stores, and the state stores where an adult can legally purchase as many bottles, cans, and/or cases of alcoholic beverages as he or she desires.

Is Drinking Alcohol Cool? Not only is alcohol extremely accessible in our society but there are also a number of factors that reinforce the idea that drinking alcohol is "cool." For instance, consider beer advertisements and commercials on TV. Indeed, it can be argued that some of the most memorable, funniest, and "best" commercials and advertisements on TV have been those that were associated with drinking beer. To push the point further, why would beer manufacturers spend millions of dollars for a commercial during the Super Bowl if this expenditure did not lead to more sales? From a slightly different perspective, consider professional athletes and movie stars who, by their actions and advertisements, reinforce the idea that drinking alcohol is "cool."

It becomes even more evident that alcohol has become a deep rooted aspect of our society looking at some of what we consider to be just a part of life. From religious rituals incorporating alcohol, cultural traditions encouraging the drinking of alcohol, special events and holidays that are associated with drinking alcohol, down to the use of alcohol in our food to enhance flavor, our lifestyle has slowly accepted the presence of alcohol as normal. These practices help to desensitize us to the negative side of alcohol use and instead send the message that drinking alcohol can help us to fit in to our society.

With all of the ways alcohol is positively promoted, what are the messages against its use? Alcohol is prevalent, accepted, and readily acceptable and at the same time potentially illegal, unhealthy and dangerous. Simply note the number of those against alcohol and listen to their messages. People from many different points of view all share the same message against alcohol abuse and drinking and driving. Medical professional, both local and federal governments, law enforcement, schools including colleges, and organizations such as MADD all have staggering statistics to the devastating effects of alcohol use.

The ability to intervene against alcohol use and abuse effectively becomes much more difficult when considering it's integration into our society. With the messages being mixed from our media to our culture, to is hard to discern the negative side of alcohol use itself. Many individuals, especially our youth do not see the harmful, unhealthy and sometimes deadly aspects of alcohol abuse.

Unfortunately, Mixed messages have also been a result of our judicial system and the ways it has dealt with offenses relating to alcohol. Until recently, many repeat DUI offenders have received only a slap on the wrist and in turn these offenders have typically continued their behaviors. Alcohol has also been a predominant part in many domestic and assault cases.

Fortunately, many states making their laws harder on offenders by taking a more reality and accountability-based approach. A repeat DUI offender for example now faces felony charges. This charge in combination with mandatory jail times and fines in the amounts tens of thousands should make people think twice about their actions and the possible outcomes.

Jail time itself is not the only solution to those with alcohol issues. Unless the underlying need for drinking is discovered and dealt with while being incarcerated, many will return to the same self destructive habits once they are released. With alcohol intervention and treatment in jail, the individual is in a stable and environment with a positive success rate. Those who have participated in a alcohol treatment program are more likely to return to society as a productive and responsible person, ending their drinking and driving and therefore avoiding becoming a repeat offender in the system.

Now there are those who will say that some consumption is alright so long as the individual practices "responsible behavior", but who defines what is responsible? One person may say that posting a sign at the beach warning of a strong undertow is practicing "responsible behavior." Another might argue that the sign is not enough, and that buoys should be put in place marking the furthest distance a swimmer should go out. Simply put, many believe that a warning is not enough, that actual deterrents must be enforced to practice "responsible behavior".

If our society is more enlightened and more aware of the health hazards, fatalities, and destructive consequences of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, then why don't we practice "responsible behavior" and make alcohol less available, less advertised, less glamorized, and less "cool" while at the same time increasing the advertisements, commercials, and public service messages that emphasize healthy and safe alcohol-free activities and lifestyles?

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Discover how to Stop Drinking Alcohol In 21 Days - Guaranteed by professional Ed Philips and find further advice here to help you Stop Drinking Alcohol.

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