The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spends a lot of time and energy warning us about the dangers of consuming too much alcohol.
But the truth is, studies link moderate consumption of alcohol to a long list of excellent health benefits. Not to mention, alcohol consumption is on the decline in the U.S. anyway. Especially compared to 30 years ago!
So, instead of all the finger-wagging about alcohol, the CDC should focus on this very REAL crisis that’s bringing down the life expectancy of the ENTIRE country…
Overdose epidemic is a REAL crisis in the U.S.
Last month, the CDC announced that overdose deaths (ODs) in the United States surpassed 100,000 between April 2020 and April 2021. That’s the first time ever the country has reached this grim milestone in a 12-month period. And it reflects a 29 percent increase from the previous 12-month period.
Of course, the CDC conveniently blamed the dramatic increase on the coronavirus pandemic. But as I explained last January, this disturbing trend in ODs began long before the coronavirus outbreak. (Not to mention, the government bureaucrats’ gross mismanagement of the whole panemic panic.)
Then, in March 2019—when the coronavirus did hit U.S. soil, and ODs began to escalate—the CDC made things WORSE by encouraging local governments to enact draconian public health measures and lockdowns.
Well, as you know, this hysterical overreaction to a virus (with a less than 2 percent fatality rate, almost all targeted to well-known high risk groups) DENIED MILLIONS OF PEOPLE access to all of the non-drug, hands-on approaches to dealing with pain and stress. Including acupuncture, bodywork, hydrotherapy (and even swimming), massage, and mindfulness meditation and yoga groups, among others.
Without access to these safe, effective, non-drug approaches, people grew desperate for relief. As a result, dangerous prescription drugs were left as the only option.
Fentanyl, in particular, is a huge part of the OD problem—mostly because of its lethal potency. (It’s 50 times more deadly than heroin.) In fact, there were more ODs between April 2020 and April 2021 from fentanyl than there were from all drugs combined in 2016.
Tragically, like the coronavirus itself, a lot of fentanyl comes from Communist China. And producers often mix it into other illicit drugs—without the user’s knowledge…leading to accidental, fatal overdoses.
Plus, as I mentioned above, this kind of drug abuse epidemic is so serious…it’s lowering the life expectancy for our entire country! So, I’d say it’s something the CDC needs to figure out fast.
But instead of putting all the emphasis onto solving that REAL crisis, the CDC still finds time to wag their fingers about consuming too much alcohol. Even though moderate consumption is much safer than dangerous drugs like fentanyl…and, as a recent poll suggests, alcohol use is already on the decline…
Fewer adults consuming alcohol in 2021
In a Gallup poll conducted during July 2021, researchers found that 60 percent of adults in the U.S. drink alcoholic beverages—down from 65 percent in 2019. Granted, the survey had a statistical margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent. So, it’s also possible there was no substantial decrease.
But there certainly WASN’T an increase…as the finger-wagging neoprohibitionists would like us to believe.
In addition, the average number of drinks consumed per week declined over the past few years—from 4.0 in 2019 to 3.6 in 2021. (Of course, here again, take it with a grain of salt. Many people underreport their drinking, as they do with “forbidden foods,” because of social expectations.)
But it’s still a strong data point to consider…
Because Gallup has been doing this kind of survey for a long time…and we are definitely witnessing a more moderate era, any way you slice it. In fact, the high-water mark, so to speak, came between 1976 and 1978—when 71 percent of adults said they consumed alcohol. (Maybe in celebration of the Bicentennial?)
In the end, the bottom line is this. Don’t forget the science showing that moderate alcohol consumption has MANY remarkable health benefits. Including improved protection against heart disease, depression, Type II diabetes, and dementia. Not to mention it’s a whole lot safer and enjoyable than illicit drugs!
So, tomorrow night, as you toast to the New Year, do so safely…and in moderation. Pace yourself with no more than one drink per hour.