What long term social effects on alcohol are there?

Answer 1

Consumed in moderation, alcohol reduces risk of cardiovascular disease and increases the length of life.

Consumed in excess, alcohol shortens the life of the drinker and causes many social problems. First there is the addiction. Alcohol makes the person's life unmanageable. Alcoholics have a hard time staying employed. Part of the consequences are artificial, just as when employers test for alcohol use. But Alcoholism can lead to work-related absences and tardiness, irrational behavior, accidents, and errors in judgment. Problems keeping employment often lead to homelessness. Some alcoholics hit rock bottom. They sleep outside, beg for change, have body odor, and often have run-ins with the police. They might resort to petty crimes such as theft, trespassing, public intoxication, fighting, and related problems. They tend to have poorer health and have more hospital visits than others, and they tend to be uninsured.

Answer 2

When consumed in moderation, alcohol (beer, wine and liquor) contributes to better health and greater longevity than abstaining from it or abusing it. Abusing alcohol can have serious safety and health consequences.