8 Reasons to Avoid Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol abuse can lead to serious health problems.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heavy drinking can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, liver disease, and certain cancers. It can also lead to addiction and other mental health issues.
Drunk driving can have deadly consequences.
The CDC reports that in 2018, almost 30% of all traffic fatalities in the United States involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. This puts not only the driver at risk, but also passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers on the road.
Drunk driving fatalities are preventable.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that almost 10,000 lives could be savedeach year if all drivers had a BAC of .00.
Crimes are more likely to be committed under the influence of alcohol.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), about half of all violent crimes and a third of all property crimes in the United States involve alcohol use.
Many people in jail were intoxicated when committing their crimes.
The BJS reports that about a third of people in jail for violent crimes and about a fifth of people in jail for property crimes were under the influence of alcohol at the time of their offense.
Intoxication increases the likelihood of committing a crime.
Studies have shown that people who are intoxicated are more likely to engage in risky or aggressive behavior and to make poor decisions that they may later regret.
Alcohol abuse can lead to domestic violence and child abuse.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that alcohol is a factor in about a third of all cases of domestic violence. Children can also be negatively affected by a parent's alcohol abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
The Bible warns against the dangers of alcohol.
In Proverbs 20:1, it says, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." In Ephesians 5:18, it says, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit."
As a parent, it's important to set a good example for your children and to prioritize their safety and well-being.
By choosing not to drink you can help protect your family and avoid the potential risks and negative consequences of alcohol abuse.
