Alcohol is a perfect example as to why we should never suffer long-term graditude for short-term gratification.

Long term effects:

Memory Loss

Learning difficulties

Brain Shrinkage

Potential cancer in esophagus, larynx, and mouth

Heart disease and Heart attacks

Increased blood pressure

Pneumonia and lung collapse

Hepatitis

Liver failure

Kidney failure

Decreased sperm production and testosterone (in men).

Decreased estrogen metabolism in the liver

Domestic abuse

Martial conflict; divorce

Fetal alcohol syndrome if drinking occurs during pregnancy

Children of alcoholics have low self esteem

Accidents on the job

Job loss

Falling grades in school

Risk of drinking and driving

As you can see from this huge list (this isn't even all of it!), alcohol can severely damage one's future. It is not worth

ruining your life for a drink.

 You want something to drink? Grab a soda. Or water.

Just not alcohol. Think of all the things it does to you, and everyone around you.

Short Term effects, in a low dosage:

Reduced tension

Lowered inhibitions

Poor concentration

Slow reflexes

Slow reaction time

Reduced coordination

Slower brain activity

Sensations and perceptions that are less clear

Short Term effects, in a medium dosage:

Slurred speech

Sleepiness

Altered emotions

Poor vision

Sleepiness and disruption of sleeping patterns

Increased urine production

More blood flow to skin surface

Lower core body temperature

Short Term effects, in a high dosage

Vomiting

Uncontrolled urination

Uncontrolled defecation

Breathing difficulties

Passing out

Alcohol poisoning

Coma

Possible death

Even if you only drink a little bit, it still has effects on you.

So when your friend says "Come on man, just one bottle" remember that something so

small can do large amounts of damage.

To start, there are many reasons people even start drinking alcohol. There's peer pressure,

depression, trying to fit in, and so many more excuses.

However, the real problem isn't why people are drinking. 

Why can't they stop?

"In January 2012, researchers from the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, at the University of California, San Francisco, released a report on why alcohol could be so addictive in the journal Science Translational Medicine. For the first time, evidence was given to show that humans experience the pleasure of drinking alcohol when endorphins are released from the nucleus accumbens and the orbitofrontal cortex brain regions." (Promises.com)

This research shows why alcohol is so enjoyable to someone. Usually someone continues something that is enjoyable to them, and unfortunately alcohol falls under that category.

But outside the chemical aspect of addiciton, there's a social one. One reason people even start drinking alcohol is to fit in, and make other people like them. If this works, usually that person will keep trying it if they're really desperate.

To sum it all up, people are addicted to alcohol because their body (involuntarily) enjoys it, and because it supposedly helps other people like them.

Don't be a shallow person, find other ways to make friends.

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