Alcohol
I strongly believe, as stated many times in this blog, that individual human progress is retarded by the use of alcohol. I say this from personal experience with drinking. I say this from observing the effects of alcohol on individuals and groups. I say this from working as a professional in detox centers, psychiatric hospitals and hospice. I say this as a son of an adult child of an alcoholic. I strongly believe the insidious effects of alcohol on human life stunt any attempt at progressive daily practice. My opinions on alcohol are based in experience and in scientific evidence.
Ritualistic drinking is a remnant of the Stone Age. In current society, fostering ritualistic drinking has become a business plan for huge corporations. Is it a coincidence that increased social drinking has blossomed in an era following the banning of tobacco products in restaurants and bars? Or is it simply a shifting of propaganda, aimed at impressionable young people, from cigarettes to alcohol? The same wealthy stock holders and government officials who reap tax benefits are profiting from drunkenness who profited from lung cancer. If you have any doubts, read this report from Maryland's comptroller.
Alcohol is simply fermented sugar which effects brain activity in the short and long term. It has no nutritional or mystical value. It simply impacts the brains and major organ systems in such a profound way that it alters consciousness and senses almost immediately. This speaks more to its toxicity than its value. It is a form of self-medication for some, like people with ADD or Bipolar Disease, who suffer from hyperactive brain activity. However, unlike more refined chemical therapies for these disorders, it is highly addictive in a sizable percentage of the population. Those who are depressed and drink are more likely at risk of committing suicide.
Routine moderate alcohol use leads to some dependency and eventually addiction in many. It saps energy and creativity. It contributes to a general denial of responsibility and accountability. It narrows and eventually inhibits meaningful relationships. Alcohol's most evil attribute, common to all addictive substances, is its ability to distort brain function to the point that the addicted individual prizes his relationship with alcohol over human relationships.
The propaganda in alcohol's favor, funded by those with vested interests in its consumption, is everywhere. Subway floors in Boston are papered with alcohol ads. Huge billboards are popping up along major highways everywhere with pictures of smiling affluence peddling liquor. The melding of materialism and alcohol use is a great marketing ploy. But, it has nothing to do with humanist practice or human progress. In fact, it is a great obstacle to human development.
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| EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL |
Alcohol is simply fermented sugar which effects brain activity in the short and long term. It has no nutritional or mystical value. It simply impacts the brains and major organ systems in such a profound way that it alters consciousness and senses almost immediately. This speaks more to its toxicity than its value. It is a form of self-medication for some, like people with ADD or Bipolar Disease, who suffer from hyperactive brain activity. However, unlike more refined chemical therapies for these disorders, it is highly addictive in a sizable percentage of the population. Those who are depressed and drink are more likely at risk of committing suicide.
Routine moderate alcohol use leads to some dependency and eventually addiction in many. It saps energy and creativity. It contributes to a general denial of responsibility and accountability. It narrows and eventually inhibits meaningful relationships. Alcohol's most evil attribute, common to all addictive substances, is its ability to distort brain function to the point that the addicted individual prizes his relationship with alcohol over human relationships.
The propaganda in alcohol's favor, funded by those with vested interests in its consumption, is everywhere. Subway floors in Boston are papered with alcohol ads. Huge billboards are popping up along major highways everywhere with pictures of smiling affluence peddling liquor. The melding of materialism and alcohol use is a great marketing ploy. But, it has nothing to do with humanist practice or human progress. In fact, it is a great obstacle to human development.
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