The Negative Impacts of Alcohol on Life and Society & Why It Should Be Banned

Abstract

Many factors contribute to the ban on alcohol, each highlighting a unique way it adversely impacts individuals and communities. The primary and most evident issue pertains to the health risks associated with drinking alcohol. Alcohol is a damaging material that impacts nearly every organ in the human body. The health consequences are serious, encompassing liver diseases, cardiovascular problems, various cancers, and impaired brain function (Rehm & Shield, 2019). Even short-term use carries dangers, including alcohol poisoning and situations arising from compromised judgment (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [NIAAA], 2021).

The issue of addiction is directly related to the matter of health. Alcohol is considered one of the most addictive substances, and its legal status aids in its extensive accessibility (Koob, 2021). Countless people struggle with alcohol addiction, a situation that ruins jobs, breaks apart families, and traps individuals in cycles of relapse and despair (McHugh & Weiss, 2019). Unlike some other substances, alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening, leading to a difficult recovery journey that many people do not survive (Saitz, 2014).

A major worry is the effect alcohol has on occurrences and aggression. Operating a vehicle while intoxicated significantly contributes to global traffic fatalities, resulting in many people suffering injuries or lasting disabilities due to alcohol-related incidents (World Health Organization, 2023). Outside the street, alcohol often contributes to violent crimes, including assaults, domestic violence, and murder (Parker & Auerhahn, 1998). When people are under the influence, their ability to make decisions and regulate themselves is greatly impaired, leading to dangerous and sometimes deadly consequences (Graham et al., 2011).

The societal economic effects of alcohol are also considerable. Annually, vast sums of money are squandered due to healthcare costs, lawsuits, reduced efficiency, and damage to property (Sacks et al., 2015). Families often face the largest financial burdens, struggling with healthcare expenses, decreased income, and the emotional toll of aiding relatives affected by alcohol dependence (Anderson et al., 2021). Governments and taxpayers share the duty since public funds are designated for healthcare, law enforcement, and preventive programs (Rehm et al., 2009).

Legal issues further demonstrate the negative impacts of alcohol. Alcohol plays a significant role in various criminal cases, such as DUI arrests and public intoxication offenses, which burden court systems and fill jails (Greenfeld, 1998). Law enforcement officers, already stretched thin, must dedicate a large amount of their time and resources to cases related to alcohol. These concerns raise the question of why society allows a substance that leads to significant legal challenges.

Faith-based beliefs and rituals also lead to reduced alcohol consumption in numerous communities. Many studies indicate that people who frequently engage in religious practices are less inclined to consume alcohol excessively, primarily because of moral lessons, community standards, and social support networks (Koenig et al., 2012). Studies consistently show that faith groups that restrict or ban alcohol—like Islam, some Protestant sects, and Latter-day Saint communities—generally experience markedly lower alcohol-related issues compared to the broader populace (Michalak et al., 2007). These patterns indicate that engagement in religion may act as a safeguard against alcohol abuse at both personal and community scales.

Year Manuscript Completed

Fall 2025

Senior Project Advisor

Heather Roy

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree

Field of Study

Commerce & Leadership

Document Type

Thesis

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