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Alcohol is a depressant. It slows bodily functions like speech, reactions, and movements. It significantly alters the brain's function interfering with brain communication, balance, memory, and judgement. (Pfefferbaum & Sullivan, 2022)

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Alcohol produces a pleasurable or rewarding effect by increasing activity in the brain systems related to reward processing. It also releases dopamine to enhance these effects. (Pfefferbaum & Sullivan, 2022) & (Lynch, 2018).

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222.8 million adults ages 18 and older (85.0% in this age group) says they drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime.

-111.1 million men (87.0%)

-111.7 million women (83.0%)

-888,000 American Indian or Alaska Native (76.9%)

-11.0 million Asian (64.1%)

-24.5 million Black or African American (77.2%)

-142.8 million White (90.4%)

-4.9 million adults of two or more races (90.1%)

-38.0 million Hispanic or Latino (79.6%)

(W., 2025)

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On the other hand, it has plenty of adverse effects. Those being: liver diseases, heart diseases, different types of cancers, and mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and alcohol use disorders. (Volkov, 2024).

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In 2023, 2.3 billion people (38% of the population) were current drinkers.

Some sources state, Romania is the number one country with the highest alcohol consumption. The average male drinks 27.3 liters (7.5 gallons) of alcohol per year. (Pottle, 2025). Hungary and Russia are also often cited for high rates of alcohol use disorders or dependence. (Fulmer, 2021).

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The United States has a higher than global average for alcohol consumption. Global alcohol consumption has been decreasing. The US also a saw a recent significant drop in 2024 and 2025. (Saad, 2025).

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In my opinion, alcohol is used to the alter the reality of someones situation. It slows the brain down and allows consumers to finally get some sort of relaxation or pause from the real world. The usage of alcohol should definitely be a concern for society. Although it may be used for a good time here and there, it becomes a problem when we decide to rely on it for happiness. In this day and age, we are suffering from a lot in the world and alcohol seems like an easy escape when in reality we need more serious help.

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Alcohol effects your consciousness by acting as a depressant. It slows your consciousness and delays rational thinking, decision making, and your cognitive function. It can easily escalate going from relaxation to confusion to loss of coordination. These issues can easily snowball and causes deeper harm.