Pros and Cons of Alcohol and Drug Use

Pros of drinking are often related to moderate use, while cons are related to abuse. However, determining pros and cons based on amount of use is not a fail-safe method.

Pros
o In healthy individuals, decreased risk for heart disease
o Decreased risk for type 2 diabetes
o Raise good cholesterol, lower bad cholesterol
o Reduce blood pressure
o Increase sociability
o Increase assertiveness
o Relaxation
o For fun
o Aids in digestion
o Reduces blood clotting and risk of ischemic stroke
o Like the taste
o Linked to reduced risk of Alzheimer’s
o Studies indicate moderate use if connected to weight control by curbing sweets cravings
o Moderate use is linked to
Cons
o Beer belly
o Reduced nutrient absorption
o Increased risk of breast, uterine, mouth, esophageal cancer, among others
o Alcohol poisoning
o Death
o Addiction/dependence/alcoholism
o Increased risk for falls/injury
o Lower inhibitions leading to high risk behaviors, i.e. unprotected sex and drunk driving
o FAS
o cirrhosis
o Pancreatitis
o dementia
o heart damage
o Severe dehydration
o Cardiomyopathy (irregular heartbeat)
o Disrupts sleep
o Depressant
o Increased risk of violent behaviors
o Murder/rape/assault
o Expense
o Law-breaking behaviors
o Embarrassing behaviors
o Pass out/Blackout
o Stroke
o Osteoporosis
o Suicide
o Spousal/child abuse/neglect
o Increased risk for gout
o Hangover/vomiting
o Lead to bad eating behaviors
o Poor decision making through misperceptions of own abilities
Sources:

S.M.A.R.T.: Students Monitoring Alcohol Responsibility Together. (n.d.). Retrieved from Centre College’s Alcohol 101: Facts website: http://web.centre.edu/smart/facts.html#proscons

Formichelli, L. (2009). Health. Retrieved from CNNHealth.com website: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/12/04/healthmag.alcohol/index.html

LaRue Huget, J. (2009, Dec.). The pros and cons of drinking: Weighing alcohol's effects on the body. Retrieved from The Washington Post’s... [continues]

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