And Yet, What's A Counselor to Do?

But then the New York Times pointed out last week the greater issue in all of this discussion and research from all different angles. They point out that a number of health studies point out that some use of alcohol may even be good for you- lengthening life, improving health, etc. Every time one of those studies comes out alcohol and drug counselors get inundated with "See! It isn't as bad as you said it was."

Of course the ones saying that are usually those who have already gone well past the healthy aspects that alcohol may provide. Three or more DWIs, possible liver damage, a wrecked family life- none of those seem to fall under "healthy" living provided by alcohol in that person's life. I have a hunch that the more someone tries to argue how good alcohol is for them, the more harm it has already done.

But the NYT article goes on to talk about the fact that there are a alot of scientists challenge the other studies as lacking real proof. They point out that the moderate drinkers studied probably didn't do anything to excess and had a generally healthier lifestyle to begin with.

Even those who tout the supposedly positive aspects of moderate use point out the clear and present dangers of alcohol use. It has been tied, in even moderate amounts, to breast cancer as well as potentially fatal accidents. There is no "gold standard" quality test out there, said one of those interviewed from the Centers for Disease Control.

So over here in the treatment world where we do not, under any circumstance, deal with the moderate drinker, what are we to do? Well, we have to keep aware of what the studies are saying- and what they are not saying. We also have to be clear that true, moderate, social drinking people do not generally have negative consequences from their drinking. Only those who are past that point will have ongoing problems.

A friend of mine used to describe it this way. Two people go to a wedding and the reception and dance afterward. Both have too much to drink. Both get in the car and drive home. Both are stopped for driving under the influence. They both will react with shame and embarrassment. They will both walk away from this lousy experience and say, "Wow! That was terrible. I'm never going to do that again!"

The non-alcoholic never will.

--Link to NYT article